The thoracic diaphragm is a parachute-shaped muscle that divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity in our torso. It attaches along the tip of the breastbone, lower ribs and low back vertebrae by several strong tendons. The thoracic diaphragm is considered one of the most important muscles in the body because it is responsible for most of our breathing. On inhalation the diaphragm contracts and lowers, giving our lungs room to inflate while on exhalation, the lungs deflate. We do this roughly 20, 000 times per day.
Not only is the thoracic diaphragm responsible for keeping us alive by allowing us to breath but it also acts as a pressure regulator within the body and makes the body more adaptable to physical stressors. Too much pressure built up in the body can contribute to muscle strain headaches, and even low back pain.
We have important blood vessels as well as our esophagus running through our diaphragm. The muscles serves to protect and stabilize these tubes and makes sure blood can get into and out of the heart. Not only does the diaphragm protect the esophagus and large blood vessels, but as we breathe, this constantly moving muscle acts to massage these structures which encourages better circulation and digestion. The fibrous sac holding our heart is actually fused directly into the top of our diaphragm so our heart is massaged and moved each time we breathe as well!
Looking at our digestive system, the diaphragm is in direct contact with our liver and has an effect here as well. Extra tension on the muscle can result in unwanted stress on some of our organs. In addition, too much tension in this muscle can pull at its attachments, namely the breastbone, ribs and low back, and create tension and pain in these areas. Proper movement of the ribs and spine can be compromised because of a diaphragm under too much tension. Clinically speaking, we often find a thoracic diaphragm under tension when we see people suffering from low back pain or in those who have suffered a low back hernia (‘slipped disc’).
Similarly, we often treat people complaining of headaches with associated neck and shoulder pain. Often times in these patients we find a diaphragm under tension that isn’t moving as well as it should be. A free diaphragm will allow us to breathe properly. When this muscle isn’t moving well, the small accessory muscles in the neck and shoulders have to work harder to elevate our ribs so our lungs can fill with air. These muscles weren’t designed to do most of our breathing and soon we develop tension and knots in the neck and shoulders, leading to pain and headaches. Related symptoms can even include numbness and altered sensation in the arms and fingers due to the tight neck muscles compressing important nerves. If we don’t identify the root of the problem, we end up treating these painful muscles only to find the problem comes back. In this case, treating the neck and shoulders is only addressing the symptom. We need to properly assess and treat the thoracic diaphragm to have lasting results.
Although the body has several other diaphragms, the thoracic diaphragm is the most important one. Without it we couldn’t survive. It serves such an important function that when its health is compromised the whole body feels the effects! It is important to consider its impact on the rest of our body and its systems and should be maintained to ensure our overall health.
Amanda Maier, RMT, DOMP (In Study)
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