Chronic Pain
Breathing re-education addresses the mechanical, physiological and bio-psychosocial contributors to chronic pain.
Musculoskeletal changes associated with a poor breathing pattern can lead to over recruitment of accessory muscles, alteration of diaphragmatic movement and consequent imbalance in pelvic floor, abdominal and spinal musculature.
The diaphragm plays a vital role in postural stability and loco motor control.
Research shows us the relationship between stability of the trunk and low back pain. (1)
Physiologically, a raised PH that accompanies chronic hyperventilation can cause excitation of nerve motor units , smooth muscle constriction and increased sensitisation of the central nervous system. With the finding that collagen contains smooth muscle cells we can see how this contributes to increased tension in muscle and fascia.
Associated anxiety and stress causes release of inflammatory mediators contributing to the pain experience. Chronic hyperventilation may be a factor in anxiety and we can identify the extent to which hypocapnia may be contributing by using Capnography biofeedback.
Musculoskeletal changes associated with a poor breathing pattern can lead to over recruitment of accessory muscles, alteration of diaphragmatic movement and consequent imbalance in pelvic floor, abdominal and spinal musculature.
The diaphragm plays a vital role in postural stability and loco motor control.
Research shows us the relationship between stability of the trunk and low back pain. (1)
Physiologically, a raised PH that accompanies chronic hyperventilation can cause excitation of nerve motor units , smooth muscle constriction and increased sensitisation of the central nervous system. With the finding that collagen contains smooth muscle cells we can see how this contributes to increased tension in muscle and fascia.
Associated anxiety and stress causes release of inflammatory mediators contributing to the pain experience. Chronic hyperventilation may be a factor in anxiety and we can identify the extent to which hypocapnia may be contributing by using Capnography biofeedback.
References
(1) - Hodges PW, Heijnen I and Gandevia SC (2001): Postural activity of the diaphragm is reduced in humans when respiratory demand increases. Journal of Physiology (Cambridge) 537:
