When the top of your back hurts while breathing, the discomfort can range from a sharp, stabbing pain to a dull, persistent ache. This feeling can arise with any breath, often intensifying with deep inhales or exhales. Its causes vary widely, from minor issues to more significant underlying conditions. Understanding these potential origins is important for effective treatment.
Common Reasons for Back Pain When Breathing
Many instances of upper back pain related to breathing stem from musculoskeletal issues. Muscle strain, often from activities like exercise or improper lifting, can affect the muscles supporting respiration. This strain can cause pain as muscles stretch and contract with breathing. Poor posture, particularly prolonged slouching, also strains upper back muscles and ligaments, leading to tension that may worsen with breathing.
Minor injuries to the ribs can cause pain noticeable during breathing. Conditions like costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone, or bruised ribs from coughing or minor trauma, result in localized pain exacerbated by rib cage movement. General muscle tension or spasms in the back can also contribute to this discomfort.
Stress and anxiety can contribute to muscle tightness in the back and shoulders. When the body is under stress, muscles can tense up, affecting breathing patterns and leading to pain in the mid-to-upper back. This muscle tension can become chronic, causing stiffness and soreness felt when breathing.
More Serious Underlying Conditions
While many causes of upper back pain with breathing are benign, certain medical conditions can also manifest this symptom. Respiratory conditions are a notable category. Infections like pneumonia or bronchitis can cause pain in the upper torso that radiates to the back. Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, typically causes sharp chest pain that can extend to the back, especially with deep breaths, movement, sneezing, or coughing. These infections often present with additional symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Other lung issues, like asthma exacerbations or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) flare-ups, can strain respiratory muscles due to increased breathing difficulty and persistent coughing. Spinal issues, such as herniated discs in the thoracic spine or nerve compression, can refer pain to the back, worsened by movements including breathing. Vertebral fractures or conditions like kyphosis can also lead to pain when breathing.
In rare instances, cardiac issues can cause referred pain to the back, though pain from heart conditions like angina or a heart attack is typically felt more in the chest, left arm, or jaw. A pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot that travels to the lungs, is a serious condition causing sudden, sharp upper back pain, often accompanied by shortness of breath and cough. Other less common causes include shingles, which causes nerve pain in the back, or referred pain from abdominal issues like gallstones or pancreatitis.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening. Other concerning symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing accompanying the back pain.
A fever, chills, or a persistent cough along with the back pain and breathing discomfort can indicate an infection requiring diagnosis and treatment. Chest pain or tightness, particularly if it radiates to the arm or jaw, should also prompt immediate medical attention. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting alongside back pain when breathing are urgent signs.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, or pain that occurs after a trauma or injury, suggests potential spinal or nerve involvement. If the pain does not improve with rest or self-care measures, or if you have a known history of heart or lung conditions, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When visiting a doctor for upper back pain with breathing, the appointment typically begins with a detailed medical history. The doctor will ask about the pain’s onset, characteristics, severity, and any accompanying symptoms. They will also inquire about your general medical history, including pre-existing conditions or medications.
A physical examination follows, usually involving listening to your lungs and heart, and gently pressing your back to identify tenderness or muscle spasm. The doctor may also assess your posture and range of motion.
Depending on the suspected cause, various diagnostic tests might be ordered. These could include imaging studies like a chest X-ray for lung issues or a spinal X-ray for bone structure. Blood tests may be conducted for signs of infection or inflammation. An electrocardiogram (EKG) might assess heart function, or advanced imaging like a CT scan or MRI might provide detailed views of the lungs or spine.
Treatment will be tailored to the diagnosis. For musculoskeletal issues, interventions might include rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, or physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen muscles. If an infection is identified, antibiotics or other specific medications will be prescribed. For more complex conditions, referral to a specialist may be necessary.