Why Does My Back Hurt When I Breathe (& What Can I Do About It)?
If taking a deep breath causes a sharp twinge or ache in your back, it can feel alarming—especially if it happens more than once. You may wonder if it’s just a pulled muscle or something more serious, like a problem with your lungs, heart, or spine.
Back pain when breathing isn’t always cause for panic, but it’s also not something to ignore. Sometimes it’s a temporary strain; other times, it can be linked to inflammation, posture problems, or even a medical emergency.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- The most common causes of pain in the back when breathing
- How to tell if it’s something serious
- What kind of treatment options may help—including when chiropractic care makes sense
Let’s break it down so you can get clarity, feel empowered, and take the next step toward relief.
Back Pain Isn’t “Just Part of Life”—It’s a Sign
We hear it all the time: “It’s just back pain. Doesn’t everyone have it?” And yes, back discomfort is incredibly common—but that doesn’t mean it’s normal.
Pain is your body’s way of asking for attention. Whether it’s mild or sharp, consistent or only when you breathe, there’s always a reason it’s happening. Dismissing it or waiting too long can lead to more serious problems.
You never want to be the person saying, “I wish I’d gotten this checked sooner.” In some cases, the pain could be related to an underlying issue like a muscle strain, inflammation, or something that requires medical attention.
The good news? Most causes of pain while breathing are treatable—especially when you act early. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can explore treatment options that restore comfort and mobility.
Important: If your pain is severe, keeps getting worse, or is paired with other symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, call your doctor or visit urgent care right away.
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What Causes Back Pain When Breathing?
If your back hurts when you breathe, it can be unsettling—especially when every breath feels like a reminder that something’s off. While some causes are mild and temporary, others may signal deeper issues that need professional attention.
Below are the most common causes of pain in the back when breathing, along with what you can do about them.
1. Muscle Strain
Breathing—even at rest—relies on your back, rib, and abdominal muscles. If any of these are overworked or injured (from lifting, a fall, or even intense coughing), you may develop a muscle strain.
This is one of the most common symptoms we see in patients who experience back pain when breathing, especially in the upper back or middle back. You might notice sharp discomfort with a deep breath or when twisting.
Mild strains can often be managed with rest, heat/cold therapy, and over-the-counter medications. But if it doesn’t improve in a week or two, seek medical attention—especially if you’ve recently suffered trauma, which could indicate a fractured vertebra.
2. Poor Posture
Over time, slouching or hunching puts pressure on your spine and the muscles that support it. This pressure can restrict your rib cage’s natural movement, making each breath feel strained or painful.
Correcting your posture, stretching regularly, and receiving chiropractic adjustments can relieve this pressure and ease your symptoms.
3. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the cushioning disc between spinal bones bulges or ruptures. If it presses on nearby nerves, you may feel radiating pain when breathing, moving, or even lying down.
This type of back pain often doesn’t resolve on its own. Chiropractic care can help reduce pressure on the nerves and support natural healing.
4. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that may reduce space in the chest cavity. In more advanced cases, it can make breathing difficult or even painful.
While bracing or surgery may be needed in some cases, many people find relief through customized chiropractic treatment and posture correction.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19 can trigger difficulty breathing and prolonged coughing, which can irritate or strain the muscles between your ribs and spine. This often results in upper back pain or pain during a deep breath.
Conditions like pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining) or costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage) are also culprits. Both cause chest pain and can mimic serious issues, so it’s important to get evaluated—especially if you’ve been sick recently.
6. Lung Problems
In rare but serious cases, lung conditions like lung cancer or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) can cause back pain when breathing.
A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening medical emergency. It often presents with sudden shortness of breath, sharp pain, and sometimes coughing up blood.
If you suspect something more serious, don’t wait. Seek immediate medical attention.
7. Inflammation or Arthritis
Chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis can affect the joints between the ribs and spine, causing stiffness and pain when breathing.
As inflammation progresses, it may reduce rib cage mobility, making each breath feel more labored. Anti-inflammatory care, lifestyle changes, and chiropractic adjustments can provide long-term relief.
8. Heart Attack
While a heart attack is usually associated with chest pain, many people—especially women—experience back pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or nausea instead.
If your pain while breathing is sudden, intense, or paired with other unusual symptoms, treat it as a medical emergency and call 911.
9. Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Mental health and physical symptoms are deeply connected. During anxiety or panic attacks, shallow breathing and muscle tension can lead to chest tightness and back pain when breathing.
Though not dangerous, these symptoms can feel frightening. Chiropractic care, breathing exercises, and stress management can help reduce tension and promote relaxation.
10. Obesity
Excess weight can place strain on your spine, rib cage, and respiratory system. If your back hurts when you breathe and movement is difficult, obesity may be a contributing factor.
Chiropractic care can improve your range of motion and reduce discomfort, making it easier to exercise and improve overall health.
What Back Pain After an Accident Could Mean
If your back pain when breathing started after a car accident, fall, or even a seemingly minor impact, don’t brush it off. Pain that shows up—or worsens—after an accident could signal deeper issues that need to be addressed.
Even if the injury didn’t seem serious at the time, your spine, muscles, and soft tissues may have absorbed more force than you realized. Sometimes, the symptoms take hours or days to appear—especially when inflammation builds or misalignments develop.
Pain with breathing may be a sign of:
- A muscle strain or tear in the muscles between your ribs
- A fractured vertebra or rib that’s affecting your ability to take a deep breath
- A misaligned rib or vertebra pressing on nerves or soft tissue
- Internal inflammation around the lungs or chest wall
These issues can easily lead to pain while breathing, shortness of breath, or stiffness that limits your ability to move comfortably.
Florida patients take note: If you’ve been in a car accident, you must seek treatment within 14 days for it to be covered under your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance. Even if symptoms seem minor, getting evaluated early can prevent long-term damage—and help you recover more quickly.
At Oviedo Chiropractic, we specialize in post-accident care. Using X-rays and other diagnostic tools, we’ll determine whether your pain is related to structural misalignment, soft tissue injury, or something else—and create a plan that fits your recovery timeline.
When to See a Doctor
Not all back pain when breathing is serious—but some symptoms should never be ignored.
You should seek medical attention right away if you experience:
- Sudden, sharp chest pain or upper back pain
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Pain that started after a recent fall, accident, or injury
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest
- Pain accompanied by coughing up blood, fever, or nausea
These symptoms could point to a life-threatening condition such as a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or serious infection.
Even if your symptoms feel manageable, it’s still worth talking to a provider if you:
- Have pain that comes and goes but keeps returning
- Notice discomfort with every deep breath
- Struggle to sleep, exercise, or go about daily activities
Your body is trying to tell you something. Listening early can make all the difference—not only in diagnosing the cause, but in choosing the right treatment options to help you feel better, faster.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Once serious conditions like a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or lung disease have been ruled out, many people turn to medication or even surgery for relief. But those options often address the symptoms—not the source.
At Oviedo Chiropractic, we take a different approach.
If your back pain when breathing is caused by:
- A muscle strain
- A herniated disc
- Scoliosis or spinal misalignment
- Soft tissue injury after an accident
- Or even inflammation from poor posture or overuse…
…chiropractic care may offer safe, effective relief without relying on drugs or invasive procedures.
What We Do:
- Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and rib joints, improving movement and reducing tension that may cause pain during a deep breath.
- Massage therapy supports muscle recovery and circulation, especially after trauma or strain.
- Rehab exercises and stretching guidance help you build strength, prevent future injury, and get back to your daily routine with confidence.
Most importantly, your treatment is never one-size-fits-all. We’ll evaluate your condition, listen to your concerns, and create a plan tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and overall health.
Your Next Step Toward Relief
Not every case of back pain while breathing points to a serious condition—but it always deserves attention.
Whether your discomfort stems from a recent accident, a muscle strain, or something you can’t quite pinpoint, you don’t have to wait for it to get worse. There are safe, effective treatment options that can help you move, breathe, and live more comfortably.
At Oviedo Chiropractic, we take the time to understand what’s causing your pain—not just mask the symptoms. With personalized care that may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and movement guidance, we’re here to help you heal in a way that supports your whole body.
Ready to feel better? Let’s find out what’s behind your pain and create a plan that works for you.
Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward lasting relief.
