If back pain occurs when a person breathes, it can signal an underlying medical condition. Possible causes range from muscle strain to improper spinal curvature or lung cancer.
Back pain while breathing can also indicate a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, particularly if the person is also experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain.
This article investigates some possible causes of back pain while breathing and describes when to see a doctor.
Muscle sprains and strains can cause back pain. A person who has injured a muscle in their back may experience pain when breathing in.
Treatment options
A person can treat muscle strain at home by resting and applying heat or an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
Carrying excess weight can place extra pressure on a person’s back, joints, and other parts of the body. Some people with obesity can have
Treatment options
Losing weight may help alleviate back and joint pain. People who are having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight may wish to speak to a doctor about possible hormonal causes, such as low thyroid function.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Although it can affect people of any age, it typically occurs in children
In some people, the spine can become so curved that it places extra pressure on the lungs, making breathing painful.
Symptoms of scoliosis can include:
- back pain
- weakness and numbness in the hands and feet
- uneven shoulders, hips, or ribcage
- difficulty standing up straight
- problems walking
- shortness of breath
Treatment options
Doctors will consider many factors when deciding on treatment options,
A doctor may recommend wearing a back brace for people with mild to moderate scoliosis. Individuals with more severe scoliosis may require spinal fusion surgery to straighten their spine.
Kyphosis is a condition that causes a person’s spine to curve forward, which can lead to a hunched posture.
This curvature
Kyphosis can also cause back pain, swelling, and balance issues. Symptoms may get worse over time, which can lead to difficulty breathing or eating in some people.
Treatment options
Treatment for kyphosis can involve attending physical therapy, wearing a brace, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. For severe kyphosis, a doctor may recommend surgical treatment, such as a spinal fusion.
Pleurisy refers to inflammation around the lungs that develops due to an infection, such as the flu or pneumonia.
Its main symptom of sharp chest pain as a person breathes in. However, the pain can spread to the shoulders and back.
Treatment options
It usually resolves without treatment in a few days. A person can treat the pain at home by taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
However, depending on the underlying cause, a person may require treatment such as antibiotics.
In some cases, back pain while breathing can be a symptom of a heart attack. This is life threatening and requires immediate medical assistance.
A heart attack can occur if the blood flow to the heart’s muscles suddenly becomes blocked, by a blood clot, for example.
Symptoms of a heart attack can
- chest pain
- a sense of pressure or fullness in the chest
- pain in one or both arms
- jaw pain
- shortness of breath
- lightheadedness
- nausea and vomiting
People with symptoms of a heart attack should contact or visit emergency services immediately.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the
According to the
If the cancer spreads to other organs, it may cause bone pain in a person’s back or hips. A lung tumor can also press on nerves in the spine, affecting a person’s breathing and causing back pain.
Other symptoms of lung cancer can include:
- a chronic cough
- coughing up blood or blood in the mucus
- frequent or recurring respiratory infections
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing
- unexplained weight loss
- a loss of appetite
Treatment options
Treatment for lung cancer depends on several factors, including:
- the type of lung cancer
- the location, size, and stage of the cancer
- the person’s overall health
Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot develops in an artery that supplies blood to the lungs. This can block the flow of blood, which can be life threatening.
A person with a pulmonary embolism often experiences pain while taking a deep breath and pain in the upper back.
Other symptoms can include:
- chest pain
- coughing, and possibly coughing up blood
- a rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- leg swelling
A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency, and people with these symptoms should seek immediate assistance.
Treatment options
Treatment options involve keeping the blood clot from growing and preventing the formation of new clots. Options typically include anticoagulant medications to break down the blood clot and a surgical procedure to remove or bypass the clot.
Pneumonia is an infection that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid. It can occur in
Symptoms of pneumonia vary in severity, but people may experience chest, abdominal, or back pain when breathing or coughing.
Other symptoms of pneumonia can include:
Treatment options
Treatment options will depend on the type of pneumonia a person has. When bacteria are responsible for the infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. When a virus is responsible, supportive treatments are available. Severe pneumonia may require hospitalization.
Intercostal neuralgia is a condition that causes neuropathic pain in the area corresponding to the intercostal nerves (rib, chest, upper abdominal wall). This pain may be constant or intermittent and
Causes of this condition include certain surgical procedures, such as a thoracotomy, shingles, traumatic injury, and pregnancy.
Symptoms are as follows:
- a sharp, stabbing, burning, or aching pain in the ribs, chest, or abdomen
- tingling and numbness in the ribs, chest, or abdomen
- reduced motor function around the affected area (in severe cases)
Treatment options
Treatment options for intercostal neuralgia depend on the underlying cause.
Medication like opioids, anticonvulsants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed for pain control. Other options include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and certain antidepressants.
People with severe, persistent, or worsening back pain should visit a doctor. This is particularly important when the pain occurs alongside tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
Seek immediate medical assistance for back or chest pain that accompanies:
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- severe coughing or coughing up blood
- dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness
- pain in one or both arms
- swelling in the legs
- weakness or numbness
If a person has pain when they take a deep breath, it could be due to infection, inflammation, or spinal curvature. In more serious cases, it can point to a heart attack, pneumonia, or lung cancer.
Lung tumors can sometimes put pressure on the spine, leading to back pain. People should consider their other symptoms and speak with a doctor to understand if back pain is due to lung cancer or another cause.
Back pain while breathing may be a sign of a serious underlying condition or even a medical emergency, so it is important not to ignore the symptom.
People with severe, persistent, or worsening back pain should visit a doctor. Anyone with symptoms that could indicate a heart attack or pulmonary embolism should receive emergency medical attention.
