What Is Hourglass Syndrome? - Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention

What is hourglass syndrome?

 

Hourglass syndrome (HS) refers to the practice of holding in, or “sucking in,” the stomach region. The lower ribs are drawn in, and the waist is given an hourglass look as a result of this movement. A nagging pain issue or bad posture may bring on hourglass syndrome. In contrast, some individuals could experience Hourglass syndrome as a result of their efforts to reduce their waistline.

 

Acid reflux, low back discomfort, and headaches are just a few of the severe effects of pulling on the abdominal muscles, often known as “stomach gripping.”

 

Stomach gripping occurs when the diaphragm isn’t working properly or when your upper abdominal muscles are under too much tension.

 

Consider your diaphragm as an umbrella positioned at the base of your ribcage, covering your lungs. The diaphragm normally contracts to the edges, drawing the center downward, supporting the spine, and expanding the lungs.

 

Instead, your diaphragm contracts toward the center if you have hourglass syndrome. You get an hourglass shape or a thin waist as a result.

 

Hourglass syndrome can also be brought on by inappropriate training techniques (some of which date back to childhood) or a persistent malformation of the abdominal muscle walls.

woman sucking in her stomach as an example of hourglass syndrome

 

What causes Hourglass Syndrome

Below are some causes of Hourglass Syndrome:

  • Bad posture

The lower abdominal muscles eventually lose strength and tension due to the upper abdominal muscles’ excessive tightening caused by hourglass syndrome. In addition, the muscle strength imbalance could cause postural problems.

 

Long-term poor posture can cause breathing problems, intestinal problems, and joint dysfunction.

 

  • Abdominal Pain

Hourglass syndrome can develop when someone’s abdominal muscles become overly tight due to ongoing pain.

 

The few conditions that might result in abdominal pain and hourglass syndrome are injury, gastrointestinal disorders, and small intestine diseases.

 

  • Desire To Lose Weight

Some people have hourglass syndrome as a result of their desire to look smaller. Negative self-image or societal pressure to be skinny may be to blame.

An eating disorder may develop as a result of extreme weight control behaviors.

 

What are the symptoms of Hourglass syndrome?

You are at a higher risk of developing these conditions if you have hourglass syndrome:

 

  • Neck pain: You won’t be able to breathe regularly if your diaphragm can’t drop normally. Your diaphragm should stretch to your abdomen, go downward, and open up your lungs. The usual breathing pattern of those with the hourglass disease is disrupted, which causes their shoulders and chest to elevate instead of adjusting. The neck is put under a lot of tension as a result, which can induce migraines and neck pain.
  • Lower-back pain: Your lower back is stabilized by your diaphragm. Your lower back will inevitably hurt when it’s not functioning properly. Tightness and soreness can also be brought on by overusing your muscles.
  • Acid reflux: In addition to its role in breathing and balance, the diaphragm also acts as a sphincter ( muscle that tightens or relaxes to either close or open an opening or passageway in the body), which can cause acid reflux. It prevents food from entering your esophagus. Therefore, you are more likely to experience acid reflux if your diaphragm is compromised.
  • Inefficient breathing: It is more difficult for your body to transmit oxygen when you breathe through your abdomen rather than your chest. Your ability to breathe 30 percent more efficiently is reduced when your stomach muscles are tense.
  • Problems with the pelvic region: Constant Stomach gripping weakens the pelvic structure under pressure.

Hourglass syndrome treatment and prevention

There are many causes of hourglass syndrome, some of which can be avoided, treated, or both.

Follow the steps below to lower your chances.

 

  • Try to break the Habit.

Recognizing your stomach-gripping behavior is the first step toward changing it, so try to break the habit. You can try to stop a behavior only after you become aware of it.

 

  • Muscles relaxation

Relaxing your muscles can help with overtight upper abdominal muscles.

 

Yoga is one method of relaxing the muscles. Yoga and meditation have been proven in studies to reduce stress. This may encourage the relaxation of muscles, especially the muscles in the upper abdomen.

 

  • Physical therapy

Some patients with Hourglass syndrome may benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapists will look at a person’s posture and provide exercises to aid with alignment, muscle tone, and posture.

 

  • Psychological Therapy 

Psychological therapies may be helpful for those who experience hourglass syndrome as a result of worries about their bodies.

 

It should be discussed with a doctor, who can then recommend talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy.

CONCLUSION

Hourglass syndrome (HS) is the name given to the habit of the abdominal muscles sucking in or squeezing the Stomach.

 

Hourglass syndrome might have a number of causes. Examples include back pain, bad posture, and body-image issues that could make it difficult to look to have a lower waist.

 

Hourglass syndrome can cause posture abnormalities, muscle strength imbalances, and diaphragm issues. Depending on the underlying reason, HS may be treated with relaxation techniques, physical activity, physical therapy, or psychiatric counselin