Can mouth breathing cause kyphosis?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
When breathing through the mouth for prolonged periods, people may unconsciously jut their necks forward to obtain more oxygen. This long-term poor posture places stress on the back and neck, and maintaining it over time can easily lead to postural problems such as kyphosis (hunchback) and shoulder elevation. However, occasional mouth breathing does not directly cause kyphosis.
Generally, habitual mouth breathing may lead to kyphosis (rounded back); however, occasional mouth breathing does not directly cause kyphosis. The details are as follows:
During prolonged mouth breathing, people may unconsciously thrust their necks forward to take in more oxygen. This sustained poor posture places stress on the back and neck. Maintaining this posture over time can easily lead to postural problems such as kyphosis and shoulder elevation.
Occasional mouth breathing is usually caused by temporary nasal congestion, colds, or other short-term conditions. In such cases, because the duration is brief and normal breathing patterns quickly resume, it generally does not have long-term effects on posture and will not directly cause kyphosis.
In daily life, it's important to maintain proper sitting and standing posture, avoiding prolonged head-down positions or slouching. Additionally, strengthening back muscles through exercises such as yoga and swimming can improve muscular strength and flexibility in the back, helping to prevent and correct kyphosis.
