Chronic Neck & Shoulder tightness: Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises

[@muhammadroase3862]

Perhaps you have changed my life.....I cannot thank you enough...

[@FrontRowwithEd]

You are very welcome!

[@aubreylorentz]

GREAT video and explanation of the importance of proper breathing! Going to recommend this to my chiropractic patients with chronic headaches, neck and shoulder issues. :D

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Thanks Aubrey!

[@legaleagle46]

That's one of the reasons that singers are specifically trained to breathe from the diaphragm, not the chest. It also enables them to have greater control over their breathing as well as develop their vocal power and stamina while singing. I learned to do it in my early 20s as part of singing in choirs off and on, and it's a habit I've kept up for almost 40 years now!

[@abhinavjain2985]

can you give any tips? what were you taught? not a singer but i love singing, sometimes with friends, sometimes karaoke.

[@Boogan-D]

Howdy. Just stopped by. Say, I like your technical approach. It has been a challenge for me to belly breathe most of the time. I always wondered why. The answer is that chest breathing gets more air in to the lungs, and sucks in the gut. As a kid, I was taught, "Chest out and belly in!" -

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Hello Tom, thanks for the insightful comments. Yes, it is a challenge to belly breath when social norms tell us to "suck it in". However, if you happen to have chronic neck and shoulder tightness, it's definitely worth a try. Good luck ~ Ed

[@legaleagle46]

Watch how a professional singer, such as an opera singer, breathes as he/she sings. Singers are trained to breathe from the diaphragm as a way of controlling their breathing and increasing their stamina while singing. It may look a little funny, but believe me, it works. I've been doing it that way since my early 20s!

[@zKaizen8]

Went to EP this morning and one of the topic we discuss is exactly this. As soon as I control my breathing, my neck and traps soreness/tightness improved already

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Excellent, that’s very good to hear!

[@audreydesierto9100]

My neck and shoulders are realy tigth and now i do it regularly it was true just practice this breathing it really helps a lot.thank you for sharing😊

[@FrontRowwithEd]

You are very welcome Audrey!

[@katiemarkeci]

Thank you kind person

[@FrontRowwithEd]

You are very welcome!

[@billprezioso3677]

How about how neck and shoulder pain can effect breathing as c-3 and c-4 send signal’s to the diaphragm,I can’t seem to find a video that addresses this issue.

[@samtheman7773]

@FrontRowwithEd Thanks for this video! Was wondering is it better to breathe in and out of nose or mouth or both? Did not know if this can make more of a difference or not or if I’m over thinking it..?

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Great question! I would focus on nasal breathing

[@samtheman7773]

@@FrontRowwithEd ok thanks for your response! I’ve been dealing with constant jaw/neck/shoulder issues as well as migraines/tension headaches and fatigue. Feels like my upper body is trying to lean back and get “centered” again but it just won’t long/term :/ Couple of times in the past I’ve let my body “unwind” or shake a lot and I would feel amazing but it takes awhile. All this feels like an endless cycle. Not sure if u had any insight?

[@Blackmoonsoulx]

My neck is so tense that it's deforming my face ... The doctors say that I'm fine , but I can see the problem. I used for too long my neck for breathing.

[@ygorsiqueira1028]

Me to o brother and I’m having intense lower back pain with it

[@lasithadamruwan928]

How are u now

[@thund3rmax]

hi, i was wondering what if you belly expands but your upper ribcage doesn't move would this be too much of a good thing and now a bad thing? or is it still ok?

[@elizabeth.1332]

If I have degerated L4 and L5 disks, could this be causing my abnormal breathing as well? Please.

[@mahesmuniandy5004]

I have slip disc c5c6...nw I have breathing problem

[@gregaarestad4801]

You know me, Ed! This certainly applies. Thank you. I'll pass it on to my equally "uptight" relatives! If this became a habit for more of us, the world would seem a better place - more relaxed anyhow. I'll try it and see how it goes.

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Hey Pat, I know you can do it! Good luck, hope all is well

[@TheChatterRoom1]

My muscle tension in neck, back and shoulders is ridiculous, when I do breathing exercises I just end up straining in my neck

[@bigbear5767]

Can it be the other way? Can a tight neck cause a tight diaphragm?

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Not usually

[@grime7002]

I know I use the wrong muscles during the day because my voice becomes less deep as the day goes on!

[@FrontRowwithEd]

Interesting! But now you how to fix it, good luck!

[@jasminepaterson9407]

DONT BELLY BREATHE AS A SINGER. when you deep breathe you should breath into your pelvis which actually causes the belly to go in and lift, which allows your rib cage to move as a RESULT of correct breating.

[@Madelope]

Should it feel like you’re flexing your lower abdomen / pelvis when breathing this way?

[@MrTylerbenson]

Hi! Ive been having concurrent panic attacks and breathe from my chest. I am quitting nicotine vape and trying to learn how to breathe again. Do you know how long it might take to breathe from the diaphram again naturally?

[@FrontRowwithEd]

First of all, congratulations for quitting vaping! If you work at it daily to 10 minute sessions, it will become natural before you know it. Combine it with a 10 minute body scan for even extra benefit. Best of luck.