The Diaphragm

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the main inhalation muscle, but when its function is not correct, its effects can be felt throughout the body.

There are many reasons why the diaphragm may malfunction.

One example of where the diaphragm may malfunction is emotional stress, which causes it to contract.

Another is bad breathing habits e.g., mouth breathing.

This results in breathing mainly from the upper chest, with the muscles of the neck (scalenes), trunk (serratus posterior and quadratus lumborum) and intercostal spaces being overloaded.

The diaphragm is directly connected to the pectoral and lumbar muscles and is considered a core muscle. It also has an indirect connection to the jaw muscles and the pelvic floor.

Many times, the problems of an “overactive” diaphragm can appear as back pain (abdominal muscle weakness), difficulty in balance (unipedal support), hip joint pain.

If you have pain or symptoms that persist in one of the above areas, the diaphragm may be the real cause of your symptoms.

Proper function of the diaphragm results in the facilitation of neurophysiological pathways associated with pain, balance and muscle weakness.