Experiencing back pain when breathing can be concerning, especially if you do not know where it is coming from. There are a variety of possible causes and back pain treatments, so it is important to understand your symptoms as well as how to care for them. Learn more about the most common reasons for back pain that is more noticeable while taking deep breaths. With this information in mind, you can decide if you can use an at-home therapy or need to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Causes of Back Pain While Breathing
Since breathing problems range from uncomfortable to serious, it is important to discover their source. There are many reasons why you could be experiencing discomfort and tension when you inhale or exhale. Some of the most common causes of back pain while breathing are the following:
- Spinal Conditions: It is possible that you have a strained back muscle or a herniated spinal disc. Other spinal conditions that can cause pain while breathing includes fractured spinal vertebrae or a bruised rib. One of the signs of scoliosis is back pain when you breathe, 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 are dealing with heart or lung issues, such as pneumonia. A heart attack or pulmonary embolism could cause problems breathing. You could also have symptoms of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining that can become severe. Look for back pain combined with shortness of breath, coughing, and a rapid heartbeat. Other signs to watch out for include fever, headache, and weight loss that happens out of nowhere.
- Obesity: Adults who do not have other concerning symptoms may have back pain while breathing as a result of obesity or being overweight. Make an appointment for a checkup with your primary care physician if you have a high body mass index (BMI) and are experiencing chronic discomfort. It is also important to tell your doctor if you feel excessive tension or are having muscle spasms. This will help him or her make a proper diagnosis.
Symptoms of Breathing-Related Back Pain
When you have back pain that is related to breathing, your discomfort or aching may become worse when you inhale or exhale. You may also experience a shooting or sharp pain in your lower back each time you cough or breathe. Other symptoms of breathing-related back pain include a sudden pain when you inhale or sharp pain when you move around.
If you have heart issues, your back pain may also be accompanied by symptoms of lightheadedness or chest pain. Muscle spasms or twitching in the lumbar area may indicate an issue with your ribs. Muscle weakness, tingling, or radiating pain are often the signs of a herniated disc, which often requires the care of a spinal specialist.
The best way to narrow down your condition is to give a few notes about your symptoms to your doctor. Write down how you feel when you breathe, as well as any other sensations you are experiencing. When combined with a physical examination and a review of your medical history, your provider will make a diagnosis and help you find the right treatment plan.
Treatments for Back Pain When Breathing
The treatment you will use for your back pain depends on the condition you have. People with a heart problem, lung condition, or traumatic injury may require emergency care. Do not hesitate to call 911, get help from a first responder, or see a doctor if you feel faint, have chest pain, or are experiencing sensations of tingling or numbness.
If you suspect your symptoms are a result of a minor injury such as a muscle strain, your back will probably get better with rest. In addition to taking a few days off from physical activity, you can also try using complementary therapies like heat therapy, cold therapy, or laser therapy for back pain. Massage therapy, stretching, and yoga may also be appropriate for your needs.
Laser Therapy for Back Pain
Now that you know a little bit more about laser therapy for back pain, you may be interested in trying a laser light therapy belt. Each device uses a cutting-edge technology known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Wearing the laser therapy belt of your choice for just 30 minutes per day will allow the medical-grade laser energy to penetrate the skin, modulating both pain and inflammation without any known side effects.
While the treatment is always convenient and comfortable, it is also intuitive. An auto-timed treatment feature will ensure you never forget to turn the device off or wear it for too long. Select from three levels of total laser output, including our CuraviUltra™ belt for great coverage, the CuraviPlus™ belt for excellent coverage, and our premier device, the CuraviPro™ belt, for professional-grade coverage.
Whichever you choose, you can help to reduce symptoms of back discomfort while you search for the source of your pain while breathing. Learning as much as you can about your symptoms and staying in touch with your doctor will help you find a helpful solution.
Experiencing sharp pain in back when breathing can be concerning, especially if you do not know where it is coming from. There are a variety of possible causes and back pain treatments, so it is important to understand your symptoms as well as how to care for them. Learn more about the most common reasons for back pain that is more noticeable while taking deep breaths. With this information in mind, you can decide if you can use an at-home therapy or need to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Why Does My Back Hurt When I Breathe
Since breathing problems range from uncomfortable to serious, it is important to discover their source. There are many reasons why you could be experiencing discomfort and tension when you inhale or exhale. Some of the most common causes lower back pain when breathing are the following:
- Spinal Conditions: It is possible that you have a strained back muscle or a herniated spinal disc. Other spinal conditions that can cause pain while breathing includes fractured spinal vertebrae or a bruised rib. One of the signs of scoliosis is back pain when you breathe, 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 are dealing with heart or lung issues, such as pneumonia. A heart attack or pulmonary embolism could cause problems breathing. You could also have symptoms of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining that can become severe. Look for back pain combined with shortness of breath, coughing, and a rapid heartbeat. Other signs to watch out for include fever, headache, and weight loss that happens out of nowhere.
- Obesity: Adults who do not have other concerning symptoms may have back pain while breathing as a result of obesity or being overweight. Make an appointment for a checkup with your primary care physician if you have a high body mass index (BMI) and are experiencing chronic discomfort. It is also important to tell your doctor if you feel excessive tension or are having muscle spasms. This will help him or her make a proper diagnosis.
- Kyphosis: Kyphosis can often lead to excessive pressure on the spine, compressing nerves and leaving limited space for your lungs to expand. Severe forms of kyphosis can deform the spine to a point where the rib cage starts poking into the lungs and other internal organs which could cause lower back pain while breathing.
- Scoliosis: Scoliosis usually becomes apparent during adolescence and results in the spine being curved side to side, which usually becomes worse with age. Although the exact causes of scoliosis are unknown, researchers believe issues with childhood development, genetics, and malnutrition are significant factors. The unnatural curvature of the spine (due to scoliosis) may also cause acute back pain and difficulty breathing.
- Herniated disk: A common cause of lower back pain while breathing is a slipped or ruptured disc, meaning the disc has pushed its way through a crack on the spinal cord and is usually pinching a nerve. The body’s natural expansion and decompression during breathing can aggravate a herniated disc because the vertebra has no outer layer to withstand the shock. This condition can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated and may require intense and lengthy physical therapy and surgery.
- Strained muscles: Intense physical exercise, quick, sudden movements, and repetitive activities may stress or injure muscles causing muscle fibers to overstretch and/or tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, strained muscles can press into nerve clusters on your back and spinal column, causing acute pain whenever you breathe. Typically, these conditions resolve after allowing the muscle to rest– though your doctor may check you periodically after the injury has healed to make sure that the area is recovering properly.
Symptoms of Breathing-Related Back Pain
When you have back pain that is related to breathing, your discomfort or aching may become worse when you inhale or exhale. You may also experience a shooting or sharp pain in your lower back each time you cough or breathe. Other symptoms of breathing-related back pain include a sudden pain when you inhale or sharp pain when you move around.
If you have heart issues, your back pain may also be accompanied by symptoms of lightheadedness or chest pain. Muscle spasms or twitching in the lumbar area may indicate an issue with your ribs. Muscle weakness, tingling, or radiating pain are often the signs of a herniated disc, which often requires the care of a spinal specialist.
The best way to narrow down your condition is to give a few notes about your symptoms to your doctor. Write down how you feel when you breathe, as well as any other sensations you are experiencing. When combined with a physical examination and a review of your medical history, your provider will make a diagnosis and help you find the right treatment plan.
Treatments for Back Pain When Breathing
The treatment you will use for your back pain depends on the condition you have. People with a heart problem, lung condition, or traumatic injury may require emergency care. Do not hesitate to call 911, get help from a first responder, or see a doctor if you feel faint, have chest pain, or are experiencing sensations of tingling or numbness.
If you suspect your symptoms are a result of a minor injury such as a muscle strain, your back will probably get better with rest. In addition to taking a few days off from physical activity, you can also try using complementary therapies like heat therapy, cold therapy, or laser therapy for back pain. Massage therapy, stretching, and yoga may also be appropriate for your needs.
Laser Therapy for Back Pain
Now that you know a little bit more about laser therapy for back pain, you may be interested in trying a laser light therapy belt. Each device uses a cutting-edge technology known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Wearing the laser therapy belt of your choice for just 30 minutes per day will allow the medical-grade laser energy to penetrate the skin, modulating both pain and inflammation without any known side effects.
While the treatment is always convenient and comfortable, it is also intuitive. An auto-timed treatment feature will ensure you never forget to turn the device off or wear it for too long. Select from three levels of total laser output, including our CuraviUltra™ belt for great coverage, the CuraviPlus™ belt for excellent coverage, and our premier device, the CuraviPro™ belt, for professional-grade coverage.
Whichever you choose, you can help to reduce symptoms of back discomfort while you search for the source of your pain while breathing. Learning as much as you can about your symptoms and staying in touch with your doctor will help you find a helpful solution.
