Wednesday 12/November/2025 – 09:01 AM
In moments of sadness or stress, many may feel what is known as a lump in the throat or a lump when trying to hold back tears. This annoying sensation, which appears psychological on the surface, actually has a clear physiological explanation that is linked to the way the body reacts to feelings and emotions, according to what was published in Marca.
Why do we feel pain in the throat when holding back tears?
According to recent scientific reports, trying to suppress crying triggers a series of neuromuscular responses within the body. When we are sad or stressed, the Sympathetic Nervous System, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, activates, causing a contraction in the muscles of the throat, pharynx, and esophagus.
During crying, the body needs to breathe deeply to calm itself, but when tears are suppressed, a conflict occurs between the functions of breathing and swallowing. The larynx must open for breathing and close for swallowing, which creates a feeling of suffocation or pressure in that area, which is what we usually call a lump in the throat.
Other possible causes
In addition to stress and anxiety, this feeling of lumpiness may be caused by:
Gastroesophageal reflux leads to throat irritation and difficulty swallowing.
Vocal cord spasm due to excessive muscle tension.
Or simply, constant psychological stress that makes the throat muscles permanently tense.
Is it a serious condition?
Doctors confirm that the majority of cases are not serious, and the feeling of pain often goes away when the psychological or physical cause disappears, but it is recommended to see a doctor if symptoms persist or worrying signs appear, such as:
Difficulty or pain while swallowing.
Unexplained weight loss.
Hoarseness or frequent cough.
Experts point out that suppressing feelings and crying may have a negative impact on the health of both the body and soul, as crying is not a weakness, but rather a natural means of relief and psychological balance. Therefore, it is sometimes better to allow tears to flow instead of resisting them, to avoid muscle tension and physical problems that may accompany suppressing them.
