Tightness in throat, neck, and upper chest muscles

[3timegrandm]

Anyone ever get what feels like tightening of these muscles with anxiety? It's almost like a choking sensation in my throat and tightening of upper pec muscles, sometimes in between. It's not painful and for lack of a better way to put it, it's like someone taking their finger tips and rubbing (not pressing) across. It's weird and freaks me out.

[Agora1]

Hi 3timegrandm, no need to freak out, it will only make it worse. Yes, anxiety can and

does do that when we are tense. When that use to happen to me, I would check my

posture and find that I was in a fight or flight stance. I'd bring my shoulders down away

from my ears, straighten my head so it is not looking down and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

In the winter, I would wrap a towel right out of the dryer around my shoulders and upper

back which allowed for the muscles to relaxxxx. Then I would sip on a hot cup of tea which

allowed for the throat muscle to relax from within. I would do my meditation and breathing

exercises for about 10 minutes. I'd repeat that practice several times a day.

It works especially if you keep the negative thoughts at bay. You're okay.. xx

[3timegrandm in reply to Agora1]

Thanks. You're right, I do frequently find myself tensed up and my shoulders up by my ears. It's also happened just walking around and bending over. My husband and I are going out of town for a few days next weekend and I want to enjoy it instead of worrying and freaking out about it.

[Agora1 in reply to 3timegrandm]

That sounds like a perfect time to let loose and let go of stress.

Taking these "me breaks" while out of town will help. Enjoy your days away.

I envy you xx