How Does Your Posture Affect Your Breathing?

Have you noticed a “hump” developing at the base of your neck?

Or perhaps you regularly experience tight shoulders, neck tension or stiffness through your upper back.

Your posture can influence how your neck, shoulders, spine and rib cage move and these structures all play an important role in breathing mechanics.

The Connection Between Posture and Breathing

When the head and shoulders sit forward for prolonged periods, it can increase muscular demand through the neck and upper back and limit movement through the chest and rib cage.

Your diaphragm works alongside the rib cage, spine and surrounding muscles to create efficient breathing mechanics. Restricted movement through the upper body can therefore influence the way you breathe.

How Can Chiropractic Help?

At Ember Health Collective in Ivanhoe, we assess the relationship between your posture, spinal mobility, rib cage movement and muscular tension.

Depending on your individual presentation, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments or spinal mobilisation

• Soft tissue techniques

• Thoracic and rib cage mobility

• Postural retraining

• Targeted strengthening exercises

• Breathing and movement exercises

Our goal is to address the underlying musculoskeletal factors contributing to your symptoms, improve mobility and help restore more efficient movement through the neck, upper back and rib cage.

Don't Ignore Persistent Tension

If you're experiencing ongoing neck or shoulder tension, upper-back stiffness, headaches or changes in your posture, your body may be telling you that something needs attention.

At Ember Health Collective, we assess the whole picture not just the area that hurts. We aim to help you reach your optimal potential through natural health care.

Book an assessment with our chiropractor Dr Olivia Leech in Ivanhoe to find out how your posture, movement and musculoskeletal health may be connected.

Chiropractic care is not a treatment for respiratory conditions such as COPD & asthma. If you experience unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical assessment promptly.