#MINDBUZZER: That “Lump in Your Throat” Feeling You Get When crying: What’s Really Going On?

Have you ever tried crying but found yourself stuck with that strange sensation — like there’s a lump in your throat, yet when you check, there’s nothing physically blocking your airway? You’re not alone. This curious and often frustrating feeling actually has a name, and it’s more common than you might think.

What Is That Mysterious Lump Called?

The sensation you’re experiencing is known medically as “globus sensation” or “globus pharyngeus.” Despite feeling like there’s an actual lump or something stuck in your throat, doctors confirm that no physical obstruction exists. So why does it feel so real?

The Science Behind the Sensation

Globus sensation is believed to be linked to the muscles and nerves in your throat reacting to emotional or physical triggers. When you’re overwhelmed with emotion — like sadness, anxiety, or stress — your body can respond by tightening the muscles around your throat. This tightening creates that unmistakable feeling of a lump, making it harder to swallow or cry.

Interestingly, this sensation isn’t caused by something stuck in your throat or a medical condition like acid reflux, although those can sometimes mimic similar feelings. Instead, globus is often connected to your body’s emotional state, a physical manifestation of feelings that words sometimes can’t express.

Why Does It Happen When You Try to Cry?

Crying is a powerful emotional release, but it also requires your body to relax and let go. When you’re holding back tears or struggling to cry, your throat muscles may tense up involuntarily. This tension leads to the globus sensation — that tight, uncomfortable “lump” — which ironically can make it even harder to let the tears flow.

How to Ease the Lump and Let the Tears Flow

If you find yourself stuck in this emotional and physical limbo, here are a few tips to help:

• Take deep, slow breaths: Relaxing your breathing can ease muscle tension.
• Try gentle swallowing: This can help reset your throat muscles.
• Speak or hum softly: Engaging your vocal cords gently can relieve tightness.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation: Calming your mind often helps calm your body.

So next time you feel that stubborn lump when trying to cry, remember: your body is simply expressing what your heart feels.

Tune into The Crossover daily @ 12H45 with CHANTE for more fascinating insights into the mysteries of the human body, mind and everything in-between.