When you think about core strength, what comes to mind? Probably six-pack abs, obliques, maybe even planks and crunches. But what if we told you that one of the most important core muscles isn’t even on your radar?
It’s called the diaphragm, and if you’re an athlete or an active person in Springfield, MO, understanding this muscle could be the game-changer you need to prevent injuries, recover faster, and boost performance. And that’s exactly where the experts at 417 Performance Chiropractic come in.
What is the Diaphragm and Why Should You Care?
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located just under your lungs. It’s the primary muscle responsible for breathing, but what most people don’t realize is that it’s also a crucial stabilizer for your core and spine.
How the Diaphragm Works
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Every time you inhale, your diaphragm contracts and moves downward, allowing your lungs to expand and fill with air.
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Every time you exhale, it relaxes and moves upward, helping push air out of your lungs.
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But beyond breathing, your diaphragm also regulates intra-abdominal pressure—which is essential for core stability, balance, and proper movement mechanics.
Your core isn’t just your abs—it’s an entire system of muscles that stabilize your spine and protect against injuries. The diaphragm plays a foundational role in this system, working in sync with your deep core muscles, pelvic floor, and lower back muscles to create a stable base for movement.
Without a properly functioning diaphragm, your body compensates by overusing other muscles—leading to pain, stiffness, and increased injury risk. This is why many people suffer from chronic lower back pain, hip issues, and even reduced athletic performance without realizing that their breathing patterns could be the root cause.
How the Diaphragm Prevents Injury and Enhances Stability
Every movement you make—whether it’s sprinting, lifting weights, or even just standing up—requires core stability. And that stability starts with your breath.
Here’s how a strong, functional diaphragm protects you:
Spinal Stability: The diaphragm helps regulate pressure in the abdomen, working with your core muscles to create a strong foundation for movement. When properly engaged, it reduces stress on the spine and minimizes the risk of injury.
Reduced Risk of Lower Back Pain: When the diaphragm isn’t functioning well, the lower back takes on extra stress. Over time, this leads to pain and imbalances. Strengthening your diaphragm through proper breathing techniques can significantly reduce back pain.
Improved Athletic Performance: A properly engaged diaphragm improves oxygen intake, helping athletes perform longer with less fatigue. It also allows for more efficient force transfer, meaning you can jump higher, run faster, and lift heavier.
Better Posture and Movement Mechanics: Dysfunctional breathing patterns often lead to poor posture, tight muscles, and restricted movement. Training the diaphragm helps maintain better posture and allows for more fluid, pain-free movement.
Faster Recovery: Good breathing mechanics improve circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles, speeding up recovery and reducing soreness after workouts.
How 417 Performance Chiropractic Helps You Optimize Your Core (And Your Recovery)
At 417 Performance Chiropractic in Springfield, MO, we specialize in helping active individuals and athletes get back to peak performance—faster and safer. Our sports chiropractors take a full-body approach to movement and recovery, including:
Diaphragm Assessment and Breathing Training – If your diaphragm isn’t working properly, everything else suffers. We assess your breathing patterns and provide exercises to retrain your diaphragm for better core activation and injury prevention.
Spinal and Rib Cage Alignment – Misalignments in the spine and rib cage can restrict the diaphragm’s ability to function properly. We use targeted chiropractic adjustments to correct these imbalances and restore full movement.
Soft Tissue Therapy and Rehab Exercises – Tight or imbalanced muscles can interfere with proper breathing mechanics. We use hands-on techniques and specific rehab exercises to restore balance and function.
Ready to Breathe Better, Move Better, and Feel Better?
If you’re an athlete, runner, weightlifter, or just someone who wants to stay active without pain, don’t overlook your diaphragm. Proper breathing and core stability could be the key to unlocking better performance, fewer injuries, and faster recovery.
Let the experts at 417 Performance Chiropractic in Springfield, MO help you get the most out of your body. Schedule your consultation today and start breathing your way to better movement and pain-free living!
