The Hidden Connection: How Stress Affects Your Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor

Many mums don't realise that persistent neck tension, breathing difficulties, and pelvic floor dysfunction are intimately connected through chronic stress and diaphragm dysfunction. As a chiropractor specialising in women's health, I see how stress rewires our breathing patterns, shifting from deep diaphragmatic breathing to shallow chest breathing that relies on neck and shoulder muscles. Your diaphragm and pelvic floor work together like a coordinated piston system - when one is compromised by stress, the other suffers too. This creates a cascade of problems including incontinence, pelvic pain, lower back issues, and that constant feeling of being "wound up." The good news? Because these systems are interconnected, improving one area often helps the others. Through proper breathing techniques, stress management, posture awareness, and professional support, you can break this cycle and restore your body's natural coordination. Understanding this mind-body connection is the first step toward reclaiming your health and energy as a busy mum.