What Exactly is an Hourglass Syndrome, Its Causes And Treatment?

Category : Health
hourglass syndrome
By EVELYN CLEDE

Many people desire to have a flat stomach due to societal pressure. These have led to unhealthy exercise and habits, leading to the hourglass syndrome. This syndrome is a common problem that often leads to severe pain. How we see our bodies is strongly influenced by how we fit into social norms. The beauty standard shown on social media and in our society about flat tummy, curvy body shape, and perfect appearance has made the condition more frequent.

The syndrome is different from the hourglass figure desired by many women. That is having the most acceptable and attractive curves. Hourglass syndrome is the consequence of regular incorrect exercise to keep an ideal body figure. Do you only focus on exercising and gripping your stomach? It is paramount to know the implication of your actions. 

Read on as we discuss hourglass syndrome, its effect, and treatment on your health. We accept blog posts related to this to similar articles, and you can also write for us. 

What is Hourglass Syndrome?

In a simple definition, stomach griping is a situation where the muscle in the lower abdomen is underdeveloped, and the upper abdomen is overdeveloped. It is caused by continuous stomach sucking. These pull the diaphragm and lower rib inward, activating the upper abdominal muscles and causing lung inflation. Stomach sucking is a partial and unhealthy way to lose fat. It also consequently influences the diaphragm’s proper functioning over time. 

The Function of The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is like an umbrella that seats below the lungs. It contracts upon inhalation, creating a vacuum that pulls air into the lungs. But, with hourglass syndrome, the diaphragm contracts towards the spike, pulling the lower ribs in. These give rise to a narrow-waisted stomach in people. 

What Often Causes Hourglass Syndrome?

Since the diaphragm plays an enormous part in stomach appearance, its dysfunction is the cause of this syndrome. It is also caused by tension in the abdominal muscles, surgery pain, and other health issues. Here are some of the causes of hourglass syndrome. 

1. Body Dysphoria

Society’s pressure and beauty standards make people desire a flat belly and curvy shape. They constantly think about the flaws in their body and how to get the accepted body type. So, they follow and practice stomach gripping trends, forcing the belly to tighten. These practices rewire the brain from the natural pattern over time, and the brain adjusts to this altered form.

2. Surgical Pain And Accidents

Pain from surgery, upper abdomen, and others often lead to exercise that causes hourglass syndrome. Patients recovering from the accident often use specific breathing exercises to reduce pain. These addictive exercises stick around after healing from the accident pain, creating a long-term problem if not treated. 

3. Poor Muscle Development in Children

Abdominal gripping in infants is a corrective procedure for poor muscle development. These can become a habit until they become adults, leading to this syndrome. According to statistics, about 40% of infants struggle with hourglass syndrome because of poor muscle development while growing. 

Does Hourglass Syndrome Have Symptoms?

1. Lower Back Pain

During breathing, the diaphragm stabilizes the lower back, and diaphragm dysfunctionality makes it weak. These also make other muscles in the body work harder and over time, making them tighter, and causing pain.

2. Neck Pain

Diaphragm dysfunctionality affects our breathing, straining the neck. In hourglass syndrome, when breathing, the abdomen does not expand, and the lungs do not inflate. These make breathing difficult for people suffering from this syndrome. These also put a lot of stress on the neck muscle, resulting in migraine and neck pain.

3. Acid Reflux

Hourglass syndrome prevents the diaphragm from blocking stomach contents from traveling back into the oesophagus. These increase the risk of acid reflux. 

Is Their Any Hourglass Syndrome Treatment Available?

Hourglass syndrome can be managed through physical exercise, hard work, and determination. Here are different ways to reverse the syndrome.

1. Admitting You Have This Syndrome

The first step towards finding a solution to hourglass syndrome is admitting you have this problem. Releasing your stomach every time you grip it is paramount. Avoid involuntarily gripping your stomach and ignore trends online advising people to grip their stomach. Relax your stomach as it helps reverse the damage caused by hourglass syndrome stomach gripping over time. 

2. Core Plank

Core plank is a good exercise for patients suffering from hourglass syndrome. It is a strength exercise that engages the abdominal muscle. While exercising, you must maintain a position similar to a push-up for the maximum possible time. Also, do not raise the gluteals, arch the lower back or droop the pelvis towards the floor. These mistakes often make the exercise ineffective. 

3. Retraining Your Muscles

Exercise that focuses on the abdomen also helps restrain your muscles. But most people do not know how to do it perfectly. Put your hands and feet down and allow your stomach to fall naturally if you can not do the exercise correctly. Then breathe, allowing air to fill your torso. Continue this routine until you master the process. 

4. Physiotherapist Treatment

Physiotherapists are professionals in treating injuries and deformities through massage, heat, and exercise. So, they can help treat hourglass syndrome by massaging and stretching the back and abdominal muscles. 

To Sum It Up

Hourglass syndrome is detrimental to human health, and breaking free from the habit of sucking in your stomach is essential. These can be achieved through regular exercise and therapy. We accept blog posts related to this to similar articles, and you can also write for us. 

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