A deep breath can do a lot for someone panicked—it slows the heart, lowers the adrenaline spike, and gives a quick reset. It won’t replace painkillers when the pain’s the main issue, but pairing a few slow, counted breaths with a dose can make the whole thing feel more balanced. Think of it as the body’s built‑in calming button; use it before you push the med, and you’ll often see a steadier response and less need for a high dose. So yes, it’s more than just a poetic trick—just don’t let it replace meds when pain is the real problem.