In various embodiments, methods are provided for improving, and/or regulating, and/or restoring respiration in a subject with a respiratory deficiency. In certain embodiments the methods involve neuromodulating the cervical spinal cord of a subject by administering transcutaneous stimulation to the cervical spinal cord or a region thereof at a frequency and intensity sufficient to regulate and/or to restore respiration； and/or neuromodulating the cervical spinal cord of a subject by administering epidural stimulation to the cervical spinal cord or a region thereof at a frequency and intensity sufficient to regulate and/or to restore respiration； and/or neuromodulating the cervical spinal cord of a subject with a magnetic stimulator at a frequency and intensity sufficient to regulate and/or to restore respiration.
