Upper back pain when breathing could be the result of an underlying medical problem. Back pain can result from an injury to the upper back muscles. In some cases, it could be the outcome of a lung-related health issue.
Upper back pain that makes breathing difficult could indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, such as a heart attack. This is especially true if the person is experiencing chest pain.
Other symptoms could be causing your upper back pain, so keep an eye out for them to figure out what’s causing your pain. One of the many concerns associated with chest pain is shortness of breath, which can reduce one’s quality of life.
In this article, we’ll look at the many causes of upper back pain and when to seek medical help.
Upper Back Pain When Breathing
Upper back pain affects the vertebrae from the base of the neck to the bottom of the ribs and is a common ailment. If this happens every time you take a deep breath, though, it could indicate a more serious health concern that requires immediate medical attention.
So, what’s causing your upper back pain while you’re breathing? The ability to breathe is harmed by back pain. These symptoms could be caused by pleurisy, intercostal muscle tension, spine issues, panic disorder, arrhythmia, chest infection, lung malignancy, obesity, or pulmonary embolism.
Upper Back Pain Causes That Affects Breathing
Over 80% of the US population has had backache at some point in their lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). It’s also the most common reason for absenteeism at work. Hunching over laptops and phones can cause back pain, as can more serious conditions, including ruptured discs, bacterial infections, and cancer.
Most types of back pain are treated with rest, stretches, and medication. It’s advisable to see a doctor if it’s accompanied by other symptoms to figure out what’s causing it. Upper back pain occurs when a person takes a deep breath, which is a sign that they should consult a doctor. Here are a few reasons you might be feeling uneasy:
1. Pleurisy
The tissue that covers the lungs on the outside is affected by this sickness. It’s a condition in which the damaged tissue expands, making breathing difficult and producing chest pain. Side effects such as shoulder and upper back pain are also possible. The pain and anguish get significantly worse as the victim inhales.
Other symptoms of pleurisy include a racing heart, cough, tiredness, and fever. The situation may improve if the patient gets enough rest or takes pain medication. Doctors may also give other medications to reduce lung tissue swelling and fight infection. In some cases, however, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to have the pleural effusion (extra fluid) surrounding the lungs removed.
2. Intercostal Muscle Strain
The intercostal muscles are located between two adjacent ribs. During diaphragmatic breathing, they aid in the contraction and expansion of the rib cage. When at least one of the intercostal muscles in the back is strained, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, from stiffness and mild discomfort to acute pain. Breathing becomes difficult, and the pain worsens when the diaphragm moves and the rib cage compresses and expands.
The following are the two most common causes of intercostal muscle strain:
i. Overuse: As a result of hard tasks that need their use, intercostal muscles may overstretch and tear. Sudden movements can put a load on these muscles.
ii. Trauma: When a person’s ribs and connective muscles are injured as a result of a fall or collision, one or more intercostal muscles are injured. Neck or shoulder pain could also be a symptom of an injury.
The intercostal muscles usually need 6 to 8 weeks to recover completely. Pain medications, ice packs, and heat packs are sufficient to get the patient beyond the first pain. They should reduce their activity for a few days to avoid further injury to their strained muscles. A medical evaluation may be required if the pain is severe.
3. Spinal Conditions
A range of spine issues produce pain in the upper, middle, and lower back. Depending on their location and severity, they may potentially affect a person’s breathing rhythm. Some of the most common spine diseases that cause upper back pain as well as breathing problems include:
- Fractured Vertebra: A person’s vertebra might be shattered in an accident, a high fall, or when participating in sports. When a compression fracture occurs in the upper spine, it causes excruciating back pain that gets worse with shallow breathing or movement. Depending on the severity of the fracture, many treatment methods are available. Until the fracture has completely healed and the patient feels considerably better, the patient may be asked to wear a back brace or participate in physical therapy exercises.
- Scoliosis: A disorder in which the spine twists and turns sideways is known as scoliosis. Scoliosis not only causes extreme pain for the sufferer, but it can also make it difficult for them to breathe. Depending on the severity of the curve, the doctor may propose a back brace as well as an invasive or minimally invasive spine correction operation.
- Kyphosis: In a healthy person, the thoracic spine (upper back) is slightly bent forward. Hyperkyphosis is a condition of the spine that occurs when the curvature is more than 50 degrees. A specialized brace and exercises are frequently used to keep the curve from developing. If the patient’s breathing becomes difficult, a surgical operation may be required.
- Herniated Disc: A spinal disc is important for absorbing trauma and is placed between each vertebra. The disc is made up of a soft center and a rigid outer covering. When a disc’s outer layer is damaged, the disc’s soft interior slides out. A pinched nerve develops, as a result, causing severe pain in the surrounding area. The pain is exacerbated by deep breathing. Untreated herniated discs can cause permanent nerve damage; therefore, it’s vital to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal is referred to as spinal stenosis. It causes nerve compression in youngsters and older people, resulting in developmental problems and degeneration. If not treated properly, spinal stenosis can result in irreparable nerve loss, numbness, and paralysis. One of the treatments for this sickness is surgery to widen the area inside the spinal canal to reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
4. Panic Disorders
Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences panic attacks on a regular basis and is anxious about them. Trouble breathing, chest pain, and muscular spasms are some of the other symptoms that accompany concern or sudden terror. Patients with panic disorder may also suffer shaking, sweating, and dizziness.
Panic disorder is treated with relaxation techniques, drugs, and counseling. Proper breathing exercises may also help to relieve the symptoms of a panic attack when they are about to strike. Because each person is used to different therapies, speaking with a doctor to determine the best course of action is essential.
5. Cardiac Arrhythmia
Back pain accompanied by difficulty breathing is a sign of a heart attack or arrhythmia, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Even if a heart attack occurs rapidly, it can be sluggish at times. When the heart’s blood supply is cut off, it starts. Other signs and symptoms of arrhythmia include:
- Chest pain
- Shoulder and arm aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaw pain
- Feeling dizzy
- Pressure in the chest
- Breathing difficulties
Treatment for arrhythmia varies based on the severity and kind of incident. If a person begins to exhibit the symptoms, they should seek medical help immediately.
6. Chest Infection
Chest infections cause the lungs to enlarge. Other signs and symptoms include body ache, high temperature, fever, and cough, as well as back pain and breathing difficulty. The pain gets worse every time the person takes a breath. The following are two of the most common chest infections that cause upper back pain when breathing:
i. Pneumonia: This condition causes fluid to build up in the air sacs of the lungs. Although the severity of the symptoms varies, most patients report abdominal and back pain during coughing or breathing. Depending on the type of infection, antibiotics for bacteria and supportive therapies for viruses are utilized.
ii. Bronchitis: It is a condition in which the passages between the mouth, nose, and lungs become enlarged and inflamed. Bronchitis can be either acute or persistent. Bronchitis is treated with rest, over-the-counter medications, fluids, and antibiotics.
Minor chest infections are treated with painkillers, fluids, and rest. If the infection is significant, however, the patient should see a doctor every once.
7. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a fatal disease with no symptoms or warning signals. Patients complain of chest pain that gets worse when they cough or breathe. When cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, the patient develops hip or back pain.
There’s also the chance of lung tumors. The patient may have back pain when breathing because it presses on the spinal nerves. The following are some other signs and symptoms of this illness:
- Coughing up blood specks on a regular basis
- Recurrent infections of the respiratory system
- Breathing difficulties
- Having difficulties swallowing
- Weight loss and appetite loss that isn’t explained
Treatment for lung cancer varies based on the tumor’s form, location, and size, as well as the patient’s overall health. Few of the options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
8. Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which the body is unable to support its own weight. This puts stress on a person’s joints, back, and other physical components, potentially resulting in pain over time. Because of the extreme pain that obesity creates in their bodies, some fat people have problems breathing.
A calorie-restricted diet that supports healthy weight loss can help relieve joint, back, and other body problems. If a person is having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, he or she should consult a physician since some conditions, such as hormonal issues, can make weight loss difficult.
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9. Pulmonary Embolism
This condition is caused by a blood clot forming in the arteries that provide blood to the lungs. It disrupts normal blood flow, which can be fatal. When a person has a pulmonary embolism, they have pain in their upper back when breathing. Among the other signs and symptoms are:
- Feeling dizzy
- An elevated heart rate
- A coughing fit
- Discomfort in the chest
- Leg swelling
Pulmonary embolism is treated with anticoagulant medicines and surgical procedures to remove the clot. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from a medical practitioner.
Read Also: Thoracic Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Treatment of Upper Back Pain When Breathing
After discussing with a doctor about the upper back pain that occurs with breathing, one of the following therapies may be recommended:
Physical Therapy
This treatment helps to alleviate pain and discomfort in the affected areas. It also strengthens the muscles of the upper back, shoulder blades, and neck. If an accident or trauma has produced upper back discomfort, physical therapy is the fastest way to help patients go back to their normal habits.
Pain Relievers
If there isn’t an underlying cause for upper back pain, pain medicines will suffice. Pay attention to your doctor when he or she tells you which medications to take and which to avoid.
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Injections
Doctors can provide powerful pain drugs directly to the facet joints and nerve roots using injections. Patients who want to try other treatments like exercise and physical therapy can gain temporary pain alleviation. These injections, however, can effectively relieve acute and chronic pain when given at the right dose. Consult your doctor first to discover if pain treatment injections are right for you.
Massage
A nice massage from a professional massage therapist is all it takes to loosen up stiff back muscles. It also facilitates the free flow of blood to the affected areas. Massage therapists are trained to alleviate clients’ pain by focusing on specific areas of the upper back.
Good Posture
Poor posture is one of the key reasons why upper back pain is so common in Americans. Maintaining appropriate posture while walking, sitting, or moving heavy objects can help reduce the risk of upper back pain and other disorders.
Treating the Root Cause
Pain medicines and stretching exercises won’t help much if your upper back pain is a symptom of a more serious health problem. It’s still required to diagnose and treat the underlying problem for a patient to experience long-term pain relief. Make an appointment with a doctor to get your back pain properly diagnosed. They also make therapy recommendations depending on the patient’s specific circumstances.
FAQs
If you have back pain when breathing or taking a deep breath, you may have an underlying problem that requires medical attention. Back pain can result from a range of medical conditions, such as pneumonia, muscle strain, a slipped disc, or even an infection. To acquire an accurate diagnosis, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.
You will have upper back pain during breathing or simply breathing if you have mistakenly strained the muscles in your back.
In rare cases, back discomfort could be an early sign of lung cancer. Consult your doctor straight away if you feel any upper back pain during breathing and suspect that something is wrong with your body.
If you have severe upper back pain that doesn’t go away with rest, it could be an emergency that necessitates medical attention right away. It could be an indication of nerve compression if you have persistent pain in your shoulders or glutes. If your upper back pain persists after a week of home treatment, you should consult a doctor.
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