Hi Cheryl,

I've heard several descriptions of the hug, not all of which I related to personally though.

I have had three "spinal lesion" attacks now, and each time have had the hug. On one occasion (when the inflammed lesion was in my C-spine), I couldn't get my breath for several weeks, and it did feel like something was sitting on my chest. Eventually I went for COPD testing, and everything checked out fine . . . it sure didn't feel that way to me though.

I learned relaxation/deep breathing exercises (Yoga) to get me through, and the sensation let up on it's own, eventually.

The hug itself, for me, has always felt like I was wearing one of those 6" wide, 1980's elastic belts cinched up tight around my rib cage area. Combined with that sensation, was considerable numbness/skin sensitivity. I didn't really have any other aches & pains with it though.

Cherie