Back pain during breathing can occur because the chest area connects with the muscles present in the back and the spinal nerves, even though the lungs themselves are located in the chest cavity.
Physiological Triggers
Pain sources include injury, slipped disks, heartburn, harnesses, braces, and misaligned sleeping positions. Anxiety or panic attacks may also contribute.
Other Possible Triggers
- Overweight — extra tissue around the neck, abdomen, and back creates pressure on muscles and nerves
- Lung cancer — tumor growth pressing on the lung walls, causing pain during breathing, eating, talking, or laughing
- Heart attack — pain radiating from front to back, accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and excessive sweating
- Kyphosis — spine compression that reduces the space for lung expansion; spinal deformity may cause the ribs to press into organs
- Active injury — bruised lungs or fractured ribs, particularly near the abdomen
- Pneumonia — infection that inflames the lung walls and fills them with fluid, causing breathing difficulties
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.