When back pain makes it hard to breathe
Most adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. But what if that back pain is accompanied by pain when you breathe in deep? It’s easy to feel alarmed when that happens, and it’s never a good idea to simply ignore it.
There are many possible reasons why you might experience back pain when you breathe in deep. Some of these reasons are minor muscle strains, and some of them are much more serious underlying conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help you decide what to do next.
This article will discuss when you should seek medical attention for back pain that hurts when you breathe in deep and how treatment options like chiropractic care and physical therapy may help you to find relief.
Common Causes of Back Pain When Breathing
Back pain that worsens when you breathe deeply can be alarming, but it’s often related to musculoskeletal problems, spinal issues, or other underlying causes. Here’s a look at some of the most common culprits.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Problems with your muscles and bones are a frequent cause of this type of pain.
- Muscle Strain: Overusing your back muscles, practicing poor posture, or making sudden movements can strain your back muscles, leading to localized pain, stiffness, and tenderness. Rest, ice, and OTC pain relievers like NSAIDs can often help.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching puts extra pressure on your back muscles and can even affect how well you’re able to breathe. Maintaining good posture and stretching regularly can help prevent and manage back pain.
- Rib Issues: Problems with your ribs, such as costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone), can cause pain that intensifies with breathing.
Spinal Issues
Problems with your spine, such as the ones listed below, can also lead to back pain that’s exacerbated by breathing.
- Herniated Disc: If a disc bulges or ruptures, it can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates to your back and makes breathing painful.
- Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine can lead to uneven weight distribution and muscle imbalances, resulting in back pain and breathing difficulties, especially in the upper back.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves and cause back pain, especially during movement or breathing.
Other Potential Causes
Sometimes, the pain is due to something else altogether.
- Obesity: Excess weight can strain your back muscles and affect your breathing capacity. Research shows that over half of obese patients experience upper back pain, while almost two-thirds report lower back pain.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Hyperventilating during anxiety attacks can lead to muscle tension and back pain. Regulating your breathing during these episodes can help reduce the pain.
When Breathing-Related Back Pain Signals a More Serious Problem
Most of the time, back pain that comes on when you take a deep breath isn’t anything to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign of something more serious going on in your body.
Respiratory Conditions
- Pleurisy: If the lining around your lungs gets inflamed, you may feel a sharp pain in your chest and back that gets worse when you breathe.
- Pneumonia: This lung infection can cause inflammation and pain that spreads to your back, as well as breathing difficulties.
- Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): If air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall, it can cause sudden, sharp pain and make it hard to breathe.
- COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can cause general back pain, as well as back pain when breathing and moving.
Cardiovascular Issues
- Heart Attack: Although it’s not super common, back pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women, along with chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden chest and back pain, along with shortness of breath.
Other Medical Emergencies
- Lung Cancer: It’s rare, but back pain can be a sign that lung cancer has spread to the spine.
- Bone Fracture: If you’ve fractured a bone in your spine or ribs, it can cause a lot of pain when you breathe, especially if the bone is impacting your lung(s).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing the Cause of Your Back Pain
If you’re experiencing back pain that worsens when you take a deep breath, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will start by asking detailed questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and any relevant lifestyle factors. They’ll also perform a physical examination to assess your back, posture, and breathing patterns.
- Imaging Tests: To get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body, your doctor may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans. These scans can help visualize your spine, lungs, and surrounding structures to identify any abnormalities or potential causes of your pain.
- Other Tests: Depending on the suspected cause of your back pain, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as blood tests, pulmonary function tests, or other specialized assessments.
People in this situation commonly ask:
- How can I tell if my back pain is lung-related?
- Is back pain a symptom of a lung tumor?
- Can a pulled muscle in the back make it hard to breathe?
Treatment Options for Back Pain Related to Breathing
If you’re experiencing back pain that seems connected to your breathing, there are a number of treatment options that might bring you relief. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your pain and develop the most appropriate treatment plan, but here’s a look at some common approaches:
Conservative Treatments
Often, pain connected to breathing can be addressed with conservative, at-home treatments:
- Rest and Ice/Heat: For minor injuries and muscle strains, rest is always a good first step. Applying ice in the first day or two can help reduce inflammation, and heat can soothe sore muscles after that.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Working with a physical therapist to learn targeted exercises can improve your posture, strengthen your back muscles, and increase your flexibility.
- Posture Correction: Sometimes, simply being more mindful of your posture can reduce stress on your back and improve your breathing mechanics.
Professional Therapies
When at-home treatments aren’t enough, consider seeking professional help:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can assess your specific needs and develop a customized treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, and guidance on posture correction.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper spinal alignment and reduce nerve irritation, which can potentially alleviate back pain and improve breathing.
Medical Interventions
In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications such as muscle relaxants, stronger pain relievers, or even antibiotics, depending on the underlying cause of your pain.
- Injections: Injections of steroids may be used to reduce inflammation and pain in some cases.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary for back pain related to breathing problems. However, it might be considered as a last resort in severe cases of herniated disc, scoliosis, or other structural problems.
Closing Thoughts
If you experience back pain when you breathe deeply, it’s worth paying attention to. The sooner you address it, the better.
While a simple muscle strain is the most common cause, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical issues. If the pain is severe, gets worse quickly, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Understanding the possible causes and seeking appropriate care are key to finding relief and improving your overall well-being. Talk with your doctor or a physical therapist to determine the source of your pain and the best course of treatment. Getting the right diagnosis and care can help you breathe easier—literally and figuratively.