The human body is full of mysteries. I say this because everything seems to be interconnected in some way or another. For instance, pain in the legs could be a sign of circulatory issues, an eye twitch could mean a neurological problem, and chest discomfort could either be associated with impaired lung functions or heart complications.
Similarly, breathing, a natural process that involves inhaling air and exhaling it out, can sometimes be accompanied by back pain. This, according to Dr Srivatsa Lokeshwaran, Lead Consultant and Head of Department - Interventional Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, could happen due to several reasons, most of which we are going to discuss in this article.
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What Could Be Causing Back Pain While Breathing?
Breathing is something we do so naturally that we don't even realise we're doing it. However, it is a complex process that involves the brain, brainstem, respiratory muscles, lungs, airways, and blood vessels, according to StatPearls Publishing.
On the other hand, back pain is a completely independent symptom that can occur due to various reasons. However, breathing and back pain can be closely linked due to various causes. These include:
- Muscle strain
- Rib injury
- Fluid outside the lung called pleural effusion
- Clots in the lung
- Pneumonia or any pathology in the lung is irritating the covering outside the lung.
Is It A Muscle Strain Or A Lung Problem?
Dr Lokeshwaran says, “It can be tricky and confusing at times to differentiate between a muscle strain and a lung-related issue like pleurisy based solely on symptoms.”
However, certain clues can help distinguish between the two.
“Muscle strain often presents with localised tenderness and is aggravated by movement or palpation of the affected area. On the other hand, lung problems such as pleurisy may involve sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with breathing or coughing,” he says.
Additionally, lung-related pain may be accompanied by respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath or cough, the doctor highlights.
Can Back Aches Occur Due To Asthma Or COPD?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of conditions that lead to blockage of airflow and breathing-related issues.
When asked when both asthma and COPD can cause backaches while breathing, Dr Lokeshwaran says, “While not a direct symptom, both of these conditions can make you more prone to back pain.”
“Frequent coughing, wheezing, and laboured breathing can strain the muscles that support your spine, especially the diaphragm. This strain can lead to backaches, he explains, adding that if the patient has severe coughing associated with asthma or if he or she is breathing heavily, then the patient can possibly develop musculoskeletal strain, which causes the back pain.
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How To Know If It Is A Heart Disease?
In most cases, back pain isn't related to the heart. However, Dr Lokeshwaran shares that some heart problems can cause discomfort in the back, especially when accompanied by breathing difficulties.
Cardiac problems like acute coronary syndrome or dissection of the aorta can cause excruciating back pain, he adds.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Back pains are usually harmless and subside on their own with rest and relaxation techniques.
However, if you experience back pain while breathing, it's important to first check for any persistent or worsening discomfort, especially if accompanied by additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, or coughing up blood, Dr Lokeshwaran advises.
In such cases, he recommends seeking a prompt medical evaluation.
“The most appropriate step would be to run an imaging test first, a chest X-ray followed by a CT scan with contrast to rule out clots or other pathologies, to identify the underlying cause of the pain,” he says, adding that it is important to avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment, as this could delay proper medical care and potentially worsen the condition.