The diaphragm and our breath patterns enhance core function and reduce back pain. Most clients that I work with who have chronic low back pain have a really difficult time coordinating core activation with the breath. Here are some dysfunctional patterns I have noticed when people try to engage or activate the core muscles: 1) People tend to hold their breath when trying to activate the core muscles. 2) The diaphragm/ribcage doesn’t fully expand along the sides and the back of the body during an inhalation. 3) The lower ribcage flares up and out 4) There is a dome along the center of the abdomen 5) There can be bulging of the abdominals above, around and below the navel How does diaphragm movement and breathing help reduce back pain? Here are the ways that I know… By breathing while activating the core, intra-abdominal pressure is maintained so that no increased pressure is placed on the internal organs, spine and nerves. When you hold the breath during activity, a downward pressure is created on the pelvic floor. This downward pressure can increase the likelihood of organ prolapse or stress incontinence, or if you have these issues, holding your breath can worsen your symptoms. If the pelvic floor can’t support the internal organs well, then the deep hip rotators try to help out. This can create imbalance with the lower back and cause excessive stiffness and pain.
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The diaphragm and our breath patterns enhance core function and reduce back pain. Most clients that I work with who have chronic low back pain have a really difficult time coordinating core activation with the breath. Here are some dysfunctional patterns I have noticed when people try to engage or activate the core muscles: 1) People tend to hold their breath when trying to activate the core muscles. 2) The diaphragm/ribcage doesn’t fully expand along the sides and the back of the body during an inhalation. 3) The lower ribcage flares up and out 4) There is a dome along the center of the abdomen 5) There can be bulging of the abdominals above, around and below the navel How does diaphragm movement and breathing help reduce back pain? Here are the ways that I know… By breathing while activating the core, intra-abdominal pressure is maintained so that no increased pressure is placed on the internal organs, spine and nerves. When you hold the breath during activity, a downward pressure is created on the pelvic floor. This downward pressure can increase the likelihood of organ prolapse or stress incontinence, or if you have these issues, holding your breath can worsen your symptoms. If the pelvic floor can’t support the internal organs well, then the deep hip rotators try to help out. This can create imbalance with the lower back and cause excessive stiffness and pain.