If back pain occurs when a person breathes, it can signal an underlying medical condition. In some cases the pain is sharp, and possible causes range from inflammation or infection of the chest to spinal curvature and 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. However, This article investigates some possible causes of back pain while breathing and describes when to see a doctor.

Have A Look At The Causes;

Since breathing problems range from unpleasant to serious, it is important to identify their source. There are many reasons why you may feel discomfort and tension when inhaling or exhaling. Some of the most common causes of Back pain when breathing, are as follows:

  • Pleurisy

Pleurisy affects the tissue covering the outside of the lungs and this tissue swells due to infection. This swelling can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. The person may also feel pain in the shoulder. However, dorsalgia may also be a cause.

This condition usually causes a sharp pain in the chest that gets worse when a person takes a breath. Other symptoms may include cough, fever, fatigue, and a fast heartbeat.

Pleurisy may improve without treatment, or rest and pain medication may be sufficient. However, in some cases, a person may need treatment in hospital to remove air or fluid from around the lungs. Medicines can help reduce swelling or get rid of an infection.

  • Spinal Conditions

It is possible that you have a strained back muscle or a herniated disc. Other spinal conditions that can cause pain when breathing include fractured vertebrae or bruised ribs. One of the symptoms of scoliosis is back pain when breathing, especially when accompanied by uneven shoulders or one hip that is higher than the other.

  • Heart/Lung Problems

Lumbar discomfort when breathing is possible when you have heart or lung problems, such as pneumonia. A heart attack or pulmonary embolism can cause breathing problems. You may also have symptoms of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs that can become severe. 

Look for back pain combined with shortness of breath, coughing, and a fast heart rate. Other symptoms to look out for include fever, headache, and weight loss that happens out of the blue.

  • Obesity

Adults who do not have other associated symptoms may have middle back pain when breathing, due to obesity or being overweight. If you have a high body mass index (BMI) and suffer from chronic discomfort, make an appointment with your primary care physician. It is also important to tell the best pain doctor in Dallas if you feel excessive tension or have muscle cramps. This will help him make the correct diagnosis.

Few Symptoms of Breathing Pattern Disorders (BPD) can be:

  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Altered vision
  • Nausea
  • Reflux
  • General fatigue
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Neurological/psychological
  • Gastro-intestinal and musculoskeletal changes can occur
  • Dyspnoea with normal lung function
  • Deep sighing
  • Exercise induced breathlessness
  • Frequent yawning
  • Hyperventilation 

Here’s How You Can Treat It;

After discussing your Back pain when breathing with your doctor, he may recommend one of the following treatments:

  • Exercises

If you want to be more comfortable, there are a number of breathing exercises for back pain that you can try.

  • Try A Simple Back-Opening Breathing Exercise

Start by taking a few deep breaths. Where does the air sit – can you feel it filling your belly? If you can or your lower abdomen sticks out when you inhale, you may be breathing incorrectly. A simple back-opening breathing exercise will help you improve your posture and reduce back pain.

Find a comfortable position. You can practice this technique in any position, but it is important to ensure that your weight is evenly distributed. Sitting upright (without overextending your posture) is often an easy place to start.

  1. Inhale and send the air towards your tailbone.
  2. Continue breathing and feel the air flow up the back of the rib cage to lift the ribs from the hips. 
  3. Breathe in and send the air towards your tailbone.
  4. Continue to breath and feel the air traveling up the back of your ribcage to lift the ribs off the hips.
  5. Breathe out and pull your lower abs up towards your bottom back ribs.
  6. As you finish breathing out, allow your shoulder blades to drop down, lengthening your upper back.

  • Try The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

  1. Firstly, sit or lie in a comfortable position. Put the tip of your tongue just behind your upper teeth and breathe out through your mouth gently.
  2. Close your mouth and breathe in through your nose while counting to 4.
  3. Hold your breath while counting to 7.
  4. Finally, breathe out completely through your mouth slowly while counting to 8.

  • Practice The Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique

Your diaphragm, a muscle at the base of your lungs, tightens when you breathe in and moves downward. This creates more space in your chest and lets your lungs expand.

Learning how to breathe from the diaphragm, instead of shallow breathing, is important in helping to manage back pain.

    1. Lie on your back or sit comfortably.
    2. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other hand just beneath your ribcage.
    3. Inhale slowly through your nose and feel your belly move out against your hand. Make sure the hand on your chest stays as still as possible.
    4. Breathe out through pursed lips and pull your abdominal muscles in towards your rib cage. Again, make sure the hand on your chest stays still.

  • Physical Therapy

If your doctor thinks you need professional help to strengthen your neck, shoulder and upper back muscles, they may recommend physiotherapy sessions.

  • Painkillers

Your doctor may also prescribe some pain relievers to help you feel better. Consult your doctor for his recommendations and which medications you should avoid.

  • Treating The Underlying Cause

Once your doctor has examined you, he may need to treat the underlying condition that is causing your pain.

  • Using Proper Posture

Ensuring proper posture when sitting, walking or lifting heavy objects can help reduce the risk of developing upper back pain.

  • Massage

A good massage can help relax your muscles, getting blood freely back to the painful area.

  • Stop Smoking

Studies have shown that people who smoke are more likely to have chronic back pain. Abstinence from smoking can therefore help resolve upper back pain.

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