Breathing is something we do automatically, every moment of every day. Because of this, it’s often overlooked when considering health and performance. However, how you breathe can have a significant impact on how your body functions as a whole. As Karl Levitt highlighted, if breathing is not working well, it becomes much harder for other systems in the body to function as they should.
Breathing underpins all movement and stability
Breathing is not just about oxygen intake — it plays a key role in how the body stabilises itself. The diaphragm, one of the main breathing muscles, works closely with the core and pelvic muscles to support the spine. If breathing patterns are inefficient, this support system may not function optimally, which can influence posture and movement.
When breathing patterns change
Many people develop altered breathing habits over time. This may be due to stress, prolonged sitting, injury, or simply habitual patterns. Shallow or upper chest breathing can reduce the effectiveness of the diaphragm, leading to increased tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
The knock-on effect throughout the body
When breathing is not functioning efficiently, the body may compensate in other areas. This can affect how muscles activate, how joints are supported, and how movement is coordinated. Over time, these compensations may contribute to discomfort or reduced performance in different parts of the body.
A simple example
Someone presenting with ongoing neck or shoulder discomfort may initially appear to have a localised issue. However, assessment may reveal that they rely heavily on upper chest breathing. This can place additional demand on muscles around the neck and shoulders, potentially contributing to tension and fatigue in those areas.
Why breathing is often overlooked
Because breathing happens automatically, it is rarely the first thing people think about when addressing pain or dysfunction. However, it forms a fundamental part of how the body organises movement and manages load.
Focusing on the ‘why’
Understanding how someone breathes can provide valuable insight into how their body is functioning overall. By addressing breathing patterns where appropriate, it may be possible to support better movement, improve efficiency, and reduce unnecessary strain on the body.
At Stanmore Chiropractic Clinic, we consider breathing as part of a broader assessment of how the body moves and functions — helping to identify underlying factors that may be contributing to ongoing issues. If you want to know more get yourself checked.
