A back spasm intensifying with breathing is a sudden, involuntary contraction of back muscles. This symptom can be concerning, as the connection between respiration and localized back pain might seem unclear. Their origins vary widely, from minor musculoskeletal issues to more significant internal concerns. This article explores the common reasons behind back spasms experienced during breathing.
Muscle and Spine-Related Causes
Musculoskeletal issues frequently contribute to back spasms that worsen with breathing. Strains in the intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, can cause sharp pain intensifying with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing. These muscles are susceptible to injury from sudden movements, overuse, or poor posture. Strains or sprains of larger back muscles, such as the erector spinae, also lead to spasms. These injuries often result from improper lifting techniques, sudden twisting motions, or sustained awkward positions, and the muscle guarding response can restrict movements involved in breathing.
Problems originating from the spine and rib cage also commonly manifest as back spasms during respiration. A herniated disc in the thoracic or lumbar spine can compress nearby nerves, leading to localized pain and muscle spasms exacerbated by spinal movement during breathing. Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, involving the breakdown of cartilage in spinal joints, can also cause inflammation and radiating pain, contributing to spasms when the spine moves. Conditions affecting the rib cage, such as costochondritis—inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone—can produce sharp pain that intensifies with chest expansion and contraction, triggering protective muscle spasms in the back.
Internal Organ-Related Causes
Pain in the back that intensifies with breathing can also stem from conditions affecting internal organs. Lung conditions, such as pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs), cause sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing. Pneumonia and bronchitis, infections causing inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, can also lead to referred back pain due to irritation of nerve endings. A pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung, can cause sudden, sharp chest and back pain, often with shortness of breath, as it obstructs blood flow and irritates lung tissue.
Heart-related issues can sometimes present as back pain with breathing. Angina, chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, can radiate to the back, neck, or jaw, and may be felt more acutely with deep breaths due to the heart’s proximity to the diaphragm. A heart attack can also manifest with back pain, especially in women, along with chest pressure, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the arm or jaw. Problems with the kidneys, such as kidney stones or infections, can cause severe flank or back pain that may fluctuate with movement or breathing. Gallbladder issues, like gallstones or inflammation, can also refer pain to the right upper back, which may worsen with deep breaths due to the diaphragm’s movement.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
Certain symptoms accompanying a back spasm during breathing indicate a serious underlying condition and warrant immediate medical evaluation. These include the sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, especially if it occurs without exertion. New or worsening chest pain, particularly if it radiates to the arm, jaw, or neck, suggests a potential cardiac event. Fever, chills, and a persistent cough producing discolored phlegm could point towards a serious lung infection.
Neurological deficits, such as new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, or a loss of bladder or bowel control, suggest spinal cord compression and require urgent assessment. Pain that follows a significant traumatic injury, such as a fall or car accident, should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out fractures or internal damage. Any back pain that does not improve with rest, worsens progressively, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, should prompt a visit to a medical provider to investigate potential systemic illnesses.
Managing Mild Spasms
For back spasms not accompanied by serious warning signs, several self-care measures can help alleviate discomfort. Resting the affected area by avoiding aggravating activities can provide immediate relief. Applying heat, such as a warm compress or heating pad, can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow, while cold packs can reduce inflammation and numb the area. Gentle stretching exercises, particularly those targeting the back and chest, can also help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting or standing for extended periods, can prevent undue stress on the back muscles and spine. If spasms persist for more than a few days, worsen despite self-care, or recur frequently, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate guidance.