Stress, Breathing & Your Spine — The Missing Connection

In this episode of The Health Commute, we explain how your spine and posture directly affect your breathing — and how your breathing controls your stress levels. Many people try deep breathing or relaxation techniques without much success, often because their spine and rib cage don't move well enough to support proper breathing.

When the mid-back is stiff or posture collapses, breathing becomes shallow and keeps the nervous system in "fight-or-flight" mode. Improving spinal mobility allows the ribs and diaphragm to move properly, making calm, deep breathing feel effortless. Simple tools like posture exercises, breathing techniques, and regular chiropractic care can help restore better breathing and lower stress.

Big takeaway: Better alignment leads to better breathing — and better breathing leads to lower stress.