2023-08-09 16:00:00
To look slimmer, some people permanently hold their breath by pulling in their belly as much as possible. Although this habit may seem innocuous and harmless, it has adverse health consequences. In a publication by The Conversation, Adam Taylor, professor at the University of Lancaster (United Kingdom), reported that this bad reflex might lead, over time, to a condition called the “hourglass syndrome”. It is a detrimental change in the structure of the abdominal wall.
Hourglass syndrome: what are the causes?
This syndrome has four main causes: congenital conditions, poor posture, abdominal pain and body image disorders. Congenital diseases, such as gastroschisis or omphacele, cause the abdominal muscles to develop incorrectly. Poor posture, such as that caused by hours spent in front of a computer screen, causes the spine to spread apart, “which leads to changes in abdominal muscle tension and function, resulting in imbalances.” Abdominal pain can also cause a person to voluntarily or involuntarily tense their abdominal muscles. Finally, body image disorders, such as the obsessive pursuit of a slimmer appearance, can cause adults to constantly suck in their bellies.
Hourglass Syndrome Causes Abdominal Muscle Imbalance
“When we tuck our stomach in, the rectus abdominis muscle contracts. But because we tend to store more fatty tissue in the lower abdomen, the muscles in the upper stomach tend to be tighter. more active. This creates a fold in the abdomen over a long period of time, with the navel being pulled upwards”, explained the British researcher.
Another consequence: the fact of systematically drawing in the belly exerts greater pressure on the lower back and neck. These parts of the body must therefore compensate for the changes in the stability of the trunk. Also, compressing the abdomen reduces the space available for the abdominal organs. “If you think of the abdomen as a tube of toothpaste, squeezing it in the middle creates pressure at the top and bottom. The pressure at the top affects breathing by preventing the diaphragm from lowering as much.”
When pressure is exerted downward, the pelvic floor is compressed. This affects the functioning of the bladder, uterus and rectum, and can lead to leakage of urine or feces, as well as uterine prolapse.
Muscle-strengthening exercises to fight hourglass syndrome
Good news: the hourglass syndrome is reversible. By treating the muscle imbalance with muscle-strengthening exercises, such as the plank or glute bridges (pelvic lifts), or by doing Pilates or yoga that works all the core muscles, it is possible to restore stability to the core. trunk and prevent these problems. According to Adam Taylor, it is important to consult a health professional in the event of prolonged abdominal pain and to avoid always drawing in your belly to prevent these disorders.
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