Kelly, so sorry you are dealing with the dreaded hug. I get the breathing trouble too. The best way I have learned to get a deep breath is to raise your arms above your head. You can do this while laying on your back or doing a yoga pose (I can't remember the name of it) where you are curled up on your knees with your face down and stretch your arms out in front of you. Obviously, I do this on my bed as getting off the floor isn't always an option. Also, when sitting in a chair, sit up as straight as you can and raise your arms over your head. Most of the time this helps me get a good breath.

Ice helps my hug the most but others say they like heat. Since I get a lot of nerve pain in the area as well, heat makes it worse for me. SalonPas help too as does magnesium cream.

I hope you start feeling better soon.