When we fall and land hard on our backs, why is it we can’t breathe for a few seconds after? What happens that causes that?

Question

I just remembered when I was a kid and I did this. The landing was hard and the panic that sets in when you realizes you can’t breathe. Oof.

In: Biology

Answer 1

You breath by your diaphragm contracting and expanding. Your diaphragm tightens when you get hit in the stomach or fall to protect your core.

In severe situations your diaphragm does not relax right away. It stays contracted instead of resuming regular expansion and contraction to breathe.

Answer 2

The diaphragm is a big muscle underneath your lungs that helps you breathe. When you get hit really hard on the back/chest/tummy where the diaphragm attaches, then it’ll spasm (i.e. not move for a few seconds).

It’s like if you get punched in the arm and then you don’t want to move your arm because it hurts. Similar thing going on here.

Fun fact: skirt steak in cows is the same muscle as the diaphragm in you!