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You take a deep breath and feel a sharp twinge. Back pain when you breathe can come from irritated muscles or rib joints that move with every inhale, though it may also signal the need to see a doctor right away.
Below are possible causes of back pain when breathing and warning signs that you need urgent care. We also cover how chiropractic wellness may help with muscle or rib joint pain.
A breath affects more than your lungs; your ribs lift and widen, and the muscles between them contract. Each rib pivots where it attaches to your spine. Your upper spine and breathing muscles also work as one unit, so irritation anywhere in that chain can show up as back pain when you breathe.
Knowing how back pain develops can make the treatment options clearer. Musculoskeletal pain originates in muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or related tissues rather than internal organs. A chiropractor focuses on these musculoskeletal structures after serious internal causes have been ruled out.
Common musculoskeletal causes of back pain when breathing include the following:
The intercostal muscles sit between your ribs and help expand your chest. A hard coughing spell, a sudden twist, heavy lifting, or a new workout can cause intercostal muscle strain. You may feel a sharp, localized pain that flares when you inhale deeply or reach overhead.
Each rib connects to your spine through small joints that glide when you take a breath. Slouching at a desk or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can leave these joints stiff or irritated.
Rib joint dysfunction often feels like a sharp “catch” right beside the spine. If you feel pain in one specific spot in your back when you breathe, and it changes with certain movements, an irritated rib joint may be responsible.
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. It mainly causes pain in the front of the chest, but can spread to the back and worsen with deep breaths or coughing. Although the condition is not usually life-threatening, its symptoms can resemble more serious conditions and should be evaluated.
Some respiratory conditions also cause back discomfort, so it helps to know how they typically feel.
A viral infection may trigger pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs that produces pleuritic chest pain. This sharp, stabbing pain often worsens when you cough or sneeze and can spread to your shoulders and back. Pneumonia can cause similar pain, usually along with fever and a cough.
A pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lung, is serious. Symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath or a sharp pain with deep breaths. Upper back pain is also a potential warning sign.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away in any of these situations:
If your pain comes with a fever and cough, see a doctor promptly to rule out an infection.
If serious causes have been ruled out and your back pain when breathing has been linked to a strain or poor posture, chiropractic care may be an appropriate next step. Your chiropractor will check how your spine and ribs move and look for stiff joints or strained muscles.
Gentle adjustments or soft-tissue techniques may be appropriate. Your chiropractor may also recommend posture changes or stretches to reduce strain on your back and rib muscles. The goal is to help your ribs and spine move more freely, reducing discomfort when you breathe.
If the exam raises concerns about another cause of pain when you breathe, your chiropractor should refer you for medical assessment.
If you have back pain when breathing, your provider may ask whether posture or prolonged sitting worsens your discomfort. Our guide explains how your couch can affect your back pain because soft cushions can alter sitting posture.
Are you wondering whether a strained muscle or irritated rib joint is causing your symptoms? Call ChiroCare of Florida in Weston at (754) 704-2406 to schedule a visit.
