What causes people to double-over during a sneeze?

[Ali Marie]

As someone who physically can't double-over during a sneeze due to a condition...I'm curious if it's kinda involuntary?

I have a friend who does that & since he has a big/loud sneeze I'm wondering if it's just part the process for big sneezes specifically or if it's something we can assume is done on purpose?

I know most people can double-over during a sneeze if they choose to, but for bigger/louder sneezers is it sort of parr for the course?

[EveP]

I've been wondering the same thing. My husband always doubles over when he sneezes and, just like you, I can't. I've asked him about it and he says he can't stop it from happening.

[NoV]

Not actually sure why people do it, but it is one of my favourite features of a sneeze. Something about doubling over just adds to the overall impressions of just how powerful the sneeze is. In fact, any involuntary movement during a sneeze just adds to the appeal for me  

[Clark Kent]

In my experience it is due purely to the power of it. The bigger and longer the build up the more extreme the power and exaggerated the double over.

Good exercise and cheaper than a gym membership! 

[Lexie13]

On 1/4/2022 at 5:40 PM, Superman said:

Good exercise and cheaper than a gym membership! 

I love this 😂

Same, though. It rarely happens to me, but when it does, it’s either from the strength of the sneeze OR because I’ve been sneezing so much my whole body is just weaker. 

[riverevanss]

Speaking from personal experince, for me, it's because mines are really stong. I can only stifle them sometimes, and because they are so stong, they just... blend me, I guess?

[Morningsmith]

For me, at least, it's one of those funny things that you can easily not do, but that may well happen if you don't prevent it, either by choice or just because you're not paying attention or preoccupied by the need to sneeze. I think I only truly bend at the waist when I'm feeling extremely sneezy AND don't feel any social need to repress.