What other muscles get activated during the fight or flight response?

In the two previous blog posts, I described how the psoas and masseter muscles can be part of the tension pattern experienced by over-activation of our fight or flight nervous system (sympathetic). Other muscles that are often involved in this pattern are our accessory breathing muscles. These are muscles in our neck and chest that are used when we are not breathing diaphragmatically with rib cage expansion. It is a normal response to engage these muscles when we need to assist our breathing (like when exercising vigorously) but is not optimal for relaxed breathing. This is often referred to chest breathing as the rib cage elevates instead of expanding.

The chronic overuse of these neck and chest muscles leads to fatigue, tension headaches, neck pain, jaw tension and upper back pain. By breathing in this way, you are also stimulating your flight or fight nervous system in an ongoing feedback loop. It is important to have a breathing assessment if you have any of these symptoms.

Breath re-patterning is an important part of a holistic approach.

At Halcyon House, both Jennifer and I will assess your breathing pattern as part of our treatment assessment. We will recommend breathing practices that will assist you in regaining optimal and efficient breathing.