I feel like I can't take a deep breath
Posted , 81 users are following.
I have been trying to figure this issue out for 3 years. It feels like I physically can't take a deep breath, all the time - 24/7, no matter what I am doing. This issue started when I turned 19, my sophomore year in college. I have had a chest x-ray, an EKG, an ECHO. I have had my hormones and thyroid levels checked. I have gone to an asthma-allergy doctor. I have seen a psychiatrist and tried 9 different medications for anxiety. I have seen a counselor for a year and a half and have not found anything that helps or any answers. I do not identify with Generalized anxiety due to the simple fact that this issue persists all of the time, even when I am (or should be) at my most relaxed. I have been told that it seems like my brain has been re-wired and almost stuck in "fight mode" (fight-or-flight) which I could see as a possibility. I am currently trying biofeedback/ neurofeedback, which I am optimistic about. I just want to see if anyone has had a similar issue or has any suggestions.
4 likes, 155 replies
itscheryl kenzi2994
Posted
I found the solution for my case !
Like everyone else, I had this same problem for breathing for past 18-20 years. I am 38 now.
Seen couple of doctors, respiratory specialist, had xrays, scan, breathe test etc etc but no answers.
A month ago I went to the chiropractor for a back pain, she asked me if I had difficulty in breathing and I explained to her how difficult it has been for me for years. She says my spine has been stiffed and locked, hence my ribcage can hardly expand too. Also I'm pretty hunched back so I went first 4 sessions weekly, followed by 2 more sessions every 2 week once. Did adjustment to lossen the joint and muscles, at the same time I had to do a series of chest stretching exercises daily. The more u do daily, the quicker you would see improvements. She told me since I had been hunching for so long, it would take me at least 6 weeks to see some sort of improvement.
I'm glad that within the 3rd week onwards I was able to take in at least more than 10 deep breathes a day (vs only once in a few days) . Now on my 9th week, I can say an average of 20 over deep breathes or more. I asked the chiro if I could have done this by myself without having her to adjust and loosen my spine, she said it may help but harder. Now when ever I have a bit of difficulty, I make sure to sit up straight and set my posture right, I can breathe much better.
Exercises I did are foam roller at the back, opening arms wide to corners of the wall. Holding a piece of cloth at the back pulling my shoulders back, holding at the back of the bench while sitting up straight. You can find them on google for chest stretching exercises.
Just wanted to share my experience since I have been searching for answers and reading so many forums. I literally registered an account just to share in hope this may help you to.
niajax76 kenzi2994
Posted
This has been happening to me for the 1.5 years. I feel like I am going insane. I've gone to the emergency room numerous times trying to get help. Wore a holter monitor and never heard back from the specialist to get results. They claimed it was depression and wanted to prescribe anti depressants, when to a phycologist who said I am not experiencing depression or anxiety and to go back to doctors and get labs done. I went back to the doctors and Ive been dismissed, especially now due to all the covid issues. I feel like i am dying slowly!! At night its worst!! And I have no clue what to do! this is real!
jennifer38140 kenzi2994
Posted
i have had this in the past and had a physiotherapist help a lot, it was called costochondritis
joshuapryce1987 kenzi2994
Posted
You are doing the right thing, although i would say you need to be more optimistic in a personal way. You keep going to specialists to constantly check health and body function. Excessively this can be a problem because curiosity tends to arouse more curiosity.