Stress, Breathing, Chiropractic…all connected

We are all experiencing crazy amounts of stress, overwhelming stress, panic inducing stress, going out of our collective minds stress. Need I keep going? 😊

What we don’t realize is that our breathing becomes faster, shallower, and leads to:

Shortness of breath

Tightness in the chest

Increased heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Headaches

Lightheadedness

HERE’S THE PROBLEM: WE ARE BREATHING INCORRECTLY!

We are breathing from our chest, shoulders going upwards, and not getting enough oxygen to our heart and brain.

HOW TO BREATHE CORRECTLY

When I teach the Respiratory System, I start class with teaching the students how to breathe. I tell them that it’s for two reasons. One, because it’s important to their health and two, so they can get the answers right on their test!

WHAT’S THIS “DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING” I HEAR ABOUT?

Your diaphragm is the main breathing muscle. Students are surprised when I tell them that when you breathe in, your diaphragm LOWERS. This is so your lungs can totally fill with oxygen and then send it to your heart, brain and all other parts of your body.

THIS IS WHAT YOU DO….IT’S EASY!

Sit and put your hand on your belly. Now make your belly go out against your hand. Don’t move your shoulders!

Go nice and slow and take in as much air as you can comfortably. Then exhale as much as you can comfortably. Focus on listening to your breath. That’s it!

If you take your pulse before and after, you will find it slower. You will find your muscles relaxing, your heart slowing down, your brain relaxing.

Oh, and by the way, if you are focusing on listening to your breath going in and out, guess what? You’re meditating!

CHIROPRACTIC AND BREATHING

In the Anatomy textbooks is a phrase, “C3, 4, and 5 keeps the diaphragm alive.”

These are the three nerves in the neck that form the big nerve that goes to the diaphragm (the phrenic nerve in case you’re interested.)

If those nerves are “pinched” the diaphragm will not function at its best and can alter breathing and the ensuing consequences.  

Also, the nerves in your midback control the muscles that allow the ribs to expand when breathing. Many patients have complained about difficulty breathing and have found relief after being adjusted.

The stress is not going away and I’m not just talking about COVID. There is also job stress (or lack of job stress), interpersonal stress, just to name the biggies.

A simple thing like breathing properly can make a tremendous difference. A minute or two, more if you have time, is all it takes.

And, of course, a “tune up and oil change” from me can make sure that the nerves controlling your breathing will be at their best.