Introduction
Hourglass syndrome is caused due to narrowing of the esophagus, diaphragm, or stomach due to which lungs are expanded. Although, it can be habitual in some people and can cause many health problems due to regular contracting of the stomach, and many people often do it to look slender and lose belly fat. People with hourglass syndrome have weak upper abdominal and lower core muscles.
What Are the Causes of Hourglass Syndrome?
In some people, this syndrome can be an involuntary disorder due to poorly developed abdominal muscles, while some people voluntarily do because of the social stigma or phobia concerning their weight, many people wish to have a slim waist, and to attain that, they constantly contract their stomach, which can cause line on their stomach. It is usually common in teenage girls. Hourglass syndrome can also occur in response to muscle defense after any injury or accident. This syndrome can last long after recovery; also, the muscle memory can retain symptoms of the syndrome even after recovery. This syndrome can be temporarily caused due to indigestion occurring due to over-eating, smoking, and alcohol, which increases stomach acid levels and contraction of muscles leading to irritation in the windpipe as the acid refluxes due to stomach contraction. Sometimes hourglass syndrome can genetically occur due to a defect in one gene. It can affect the parathyroid hormone receptor activator. This hormone helps in balancing calcium levels. Due to the defect, there is a low intake of calcium level which will cause a weakening of muscles and bones.
How Does Hourglass Syndrome Develop?
Hourglass syndrome is usually due to increased muscle tension in the upper abdominal wall, the muscle affected is the rectus abdominal muscles also known as abs in layman's terms. Incorrect exercising with incorrect breathing can be a major cause. When the chest is high, abdominal muscles are activated before the diaphragm, which will activate core muscles of the back, causing contraction in the upper fibers of the rectus abdominal muscles relieving transverse abdominal muscle fiber and lower fibers of the rectus abdominal muscles. Because of this wrong practice of exercising a breathing pattern there is unbalanced muscles activity causing a major impact on the lumbar spine.
What Are the Symptoms of Hourglass Syndrome?
There can be symptoms of tightness in the stomach, feeling of nausea, the excessive passage of gas, shortening of breath due to narrowing of the esophagus, abdominal bloating, acid reflux due to indigestion, vomiting, continuous pain, difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite and weight, pain in the lower back, and neck pain. As due to the constant contraction of the diaphragm, and abdominal muscles lot of pressure is put on the back muscle and neck muscles due to overworking. Continuous back and neck pain can cause headaches and migraine. There can be an adverse effect on the lumbar spine due to constant pressure affecting the general posture of the body. People with hourglass syndrome are obsessed with their weight gain, do excess dieting and exercise, and they can have psychological eating disorders called anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It is most commonly observed in females considering to gain attention and look attractive in society, it can also affect the mental health of a person due to constant thought of looking-slender and perfect triggering to contract abdominal muscles. In males this syndrome is different from that of women as weight loss for men is visible with muscle loss, losing muscle will negatively affect their basal metabolic rate.
What Are the Complications of Hourglass Contraction?
The are many complications of hourglass syndrome, due to the contraction of abdominal muscles, a lot of stress is put on neck and back muscles, and due to prolonged contraction of abdominal muscles, the diaphragm is also contracted, to compensate for these contracted muscles, the back and neck muscles have to overwork leading to pain. Hourglass syndrome can also be observed in abdominal surgery post general anesthesia. In pregnant females at the time of labor contractions, if abdominal muscles are contracted then there can be a complication as the placenta will be trapped in the upper constricted part of the uterus, which can cause excessive bleeding during the delivery.
What Is the Treatment for Hourglass Syndrome?
Hourglass syndrome can be diagnosed with gastroscopy, barium meal test showing a filled stomach only on the sides, or double pouched stomach.
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If hourglass syndrome is due to voluntary action, then the habit must be corrected, but if it is due to some involuntary action, then the person must seek medical attention. Usually, the treatment suggested is physiotherapy.
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Exercises also help in relieving abdominal muscles. Exercises like core plank and wall posture help in strengthening core muscles. It is important to check for correct posture while exercising; otherwise, it will be a muscle spasm.
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Other treatment options include partial gastrectomy in case of gastric ulcer, where the lower portion of the stomach is removed.
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Walking also helps in relieving abdominal muscles post abdominal surgery like tummy tuck surgery, walking helps in preventing the formation of clots which can cause contraction of the stomach.
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To avoid hourglass syndrome, one must treat the symptoms causing it; if it is due to indigestion, then avoid triggering factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, and avoiding spicy food, which will subside the symptoms of the syndrome. If it is aggravated by constipation, then include a high fiber diet and have plenty of water. If it is due to gastritis, then take medicine like a proton pump inhibitor or antacids to subside the aggravating factors.
Conclusion
Hourglass syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, it can be temporary or prolonged and sometimes is an involuntary action of abdominal muscles gripping, but the condition can be treated with exercise, change in lifestyle, and physiotherapy. One must not do it on purpose as the adverse effects impact other organs and muscles of the body.
