Middle back pain when breathing can have many different causes.
The pain may be caused by an injury (either to the bones or muscles in your back).
Or, it may be caused by a medical condition that affects your internal organs, such as your heart or lungs.
If you’re living with cervical spinal stenosis, it may be a possible cause of back pain when breathing, too.
In this article, we take a look at 3 possible causes of middle back pain when breathing.
- Strained Muscle. A strained muscle can be caused by repetitive use or from an injury.
If you’ve strained a muscle in your back, you’ll probably feel a sharp pain on the side of your body where the injury occurred.
Symptoms include sudden pain when moving and breathing, reduced range of motion, and muscle spasms.
Usually, strained muscles aren’t serious and may get better with rest.
However, a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional can help determine if your injury is a muscle strain or a more serious issue.
- Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Although it can affect people of any age, it typically affects preteens or young teenagers.
In some people, the spine can become so curved that it places extra pressure on the lungs, which can make breathing painful.
Symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, uneven shoulders or hips, problems walking, and shortness of breath.
- Herniated disk. A herniated disk is a condition that can occur anywhere along the spine.
It is sometimes called a protruding, bulging, or ruptured disk.
It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, as well as leg pain, or sciatica.
A herniated disk may also cause back pain when you breathe.
Some of the causes of middle back pain when breathing is potentially serious, which is why it’s important not to ignore this type of pain.
See your doctor if you have severe or worsening back pain when breathing.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.
