Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
The main breathing muscle, diaphragm, gets its
nerve supply from C3, C4 and C5 nerve roots, and a problem with
spinal cord or nerve roots in that region, may cause weakness of diaphragmatic muscles, leading to
shortness of breath.
This can be confirmed by clinical examination and MRI scan of
cervical spine.
Until you consult your neurosurgeon, you may prefer sitting position, and take supplemental
oxygen through nasal prongs.
I hope my reply has helped you.
I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/