Why do I feel a sharp pain in my upper back when breathing?

Feeling a sharp pain in your upper back while breathing can be unsettling. This pain may range from slight discomfort to a deep, sharp sensation, making breathing difficult.

This article will explore the causes of upper back pain while breathing, the symptoms to look for, and treatment options. We’ll also provide a detailed care plan to help manage this type of pain.

Causes of Upper Back Pain When Breathing

Muscle Strain or Injury

Muscular strains cause many people to suffer from upper back pain when breathing. A sudden twist, picking up heavy objects, or even poor posture sustained over time can stress the upper back muscles.

The muscles between the ribs, known as the intercostal muscles, can also be stretched, with sharp pain, especially noticeable when deep breaths are taken. This painful condition often worsens with movement and is accompanied by stiffness.

Spine Conditions

Many spinal conditions can cause pain in the upper back while breathing. These conditions include scoliosis, an abnormal spine curvature that leads to muscle imbalances and pain in the upper back, and osteoporosis, where bones become brittle over time and eventually snap like twigs, leading to intense pain with every breath.

Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of your spinal spaces caressing or impinging on nerves, may cause discomfort, particularly when taking deep breaths. These conditions usually require long-term management to avoid deteriorating symptoms.

Pulmonary Issues

Pleura-related pneumonia or pneumothorax causes sharp upper back pain when breathing. Pleurisy is a condition in which the two layers of tissue surrounding the lungs rub against each other, causing intense stabbing pain in the back that worsens with inhalation.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes the air sacs to fill up with fluid pus, leading to back pain as the lungs cannot function. Pneumothorax is when air leaks from the lung cavity to the space between the two organs or chest walls. This is a dangerous condition that can cause sudden, intense pain and difficulty in breathing.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a medical condition in which a substance blocks an artery in the lung. When breathing deeply, this condition can cause sudden, sharp pain in the upper back or shoulder. Other symptoms may or may not include difficulties in breathing, rapid breathing, and sometimes coughing up blood.

Heart Conditions

Sometimes, upper back pain while breathing may indicate a heart condition. A heart attack will cause pain to spread to the upper back, and this is more likely if the bottom of the heart is agonised. Other signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.

Lung Cancer

Upper back pain can be caused by lung cancer, especially when the cancer spreads to the bones or nerves of the chest. The pain, which may start as an ache, tends to become more severe as the tumour grows. Engaging in activities as simple as breathing deeply, laughing, or even coughing can cause the pain to become more severe.

Apart from upper back pain, other includable symptoms of lung cancer include constant coughing, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. It is best to act early because early treatment will increase one’s chances of survival. Smokers or people whose families have a history of lung cancer should see a healthcare provider when experiencing constant upper back pain.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, a thin layer of tissues that separates the lungs from the chest walls. Inflammation of these two layers causes the lungs to rub against the chest walls. As a result, patients with pleurisy often experience sharp chest or upper back pain. Pain often becomes worse when one breathes deeply, sneezes, or coughs.

Several factors may cause pleurisy, including infections in organs or parts of the body neighbouring the pleura. For example, bacterial pneumonia or viral infections may cause pleurisy.

Obesity

Too much weight can cause undue pressure on the back muscles and spine. This makes one highly susceptible to experiencing upper back pain when breathing. In addition to that, obesity compounds spinal health complications and may facilitate the development of new ones.

In addition, too much weight may likely affect one’s lung health and, by extension, make breathing more difficult, hence the possibility of pain. Therefore, patients may want to manage their weight, usually through diet and exercise regularly, to limit the likelihood of experiencing pain and other health problems.

Possible Reasons Why Your Upper Back Hurts When You Breathe

Pain in the Upper Right Back When Breathing

Pain in the upper right side of your back when breathing could be attributed to several factors. First, it might be related to your gallbladder, with inflammation of this organ or the formation of gallstones leading to referred pain in the upper right back. Another common problem causing the pain is liver issues: if your liver is swollen or inflamed, you can experience pain in the region. Another likely cause is a muscular strain on the right side of your body, especially if you have strained yourself during weightlifting or other abrupt repetitive movements.

Back Pain on Upper Left Side When Breathing

If you feel that your pain is localized to the upper left side of your back, it might be a sign of a cardiac problem such as angina or even a heart attack: your heart is situated slightly to the left from the center of your chest, and pain from a heart problem is often referred to the left upper back. Another likely cause might be a problem with your spleen, especially if you have recently suffered a trauma or an infection that could lead to a ruptured or swollen spleen. Finally, the problem might be muscular or skeletal; a strained muscle or a broken rib on the left side might cause your pain.

Pain in upper Back When Breathing Deeply

When your pain is exacerbated by breathing in deeply, it could be a sign of several problems, such as pleurisy, in which an inflamed pleura causes sharp pains every time the lungs inhale. Another possibility is a pneumothorax, in which a lung collapses, and you, therefore, feel very intense pain that is further exacerbated by deep breaths. Meanwhile, a strained muscle, especially the intercostal muscles that participate in breathing, would also become more painful if strained and treated by inhaling deeply. Undoubtedly, when inhaling deeply makes your pain in the back worse, it becomes crucial to determine the reason for that.

Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades When Breathing

A variety of conditions may cause pain between the shoulder blades. Herniated discs in the thoracic spine can affect the nerves and radiate pain. Muscle strain in the rhomboids and trapezius due to poor posture and excessive use can also be a major cause. Sometimes, the pain is referred to by internal organs like the heart or lungs if accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This pain can be relieved by stretching, strengthening exercises, and posture correction. You should look out for the following symptoms.

Symptoms of Sharp pain in my upper back when breathing

Sharp, Stabbing Pain: Pleurisy, pneumothorax, or pulmonary embolism can be indicated by pleuritic-type pain. Such pain usually worsens with respiration and is disabling.
Persistent Pain: When upper back pain lasts more than a day or becomes even more severe, you may suffer from chronic conditions such as osteoporosis or spinal stenosis that must be managed for a long time.
Difficulty Breathing: Back pain in conjunction with difficulty breathing calls for urgent evaluation by a medical specialist. It might indicate a serious medical condition, such as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or even heart issues.
Chest Pain: Pain in the chest and upper back may be a red flag, as they might indicate a heart condition. This could be a heart attack or angina and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Coughing up Blood: This is a red flag for pulmonary embolism and lung cancer, and immediate medical attention is required. Coughing up blood and back pain can be an indication of a severe medical condition.

What are the Treatment options when i feel Sharp pain in my upper back when breathing?

At-Home Remedies

For mild cases, try the following remedies to relieve upper back pain:

Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain and allow your body to heal. It is particularly important in the earliest stages of pain management.
Ice/Heat Therapy: Ice can help in the first 48 hours by numbing the pain and decreasing the swelling. After that, you can use heat to soothe the muscles in the affected area.
Over-the-counter Medications: Drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can manage mild pain and inflammation. However, you should follow the instructions to avoid developing side effects.

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be extremely helpful. It consists of exercises that will help you in two ways: strengthening your back muscles and improving your posture and overall flexibility. A physical therapist can devise an exercise program to target the most vulnerable muscles in your back, trying to eliminate their tension. The exercises can consist of manual therapy, stretching and targeting strengthening, and exercises on the upper back, shoulders and core. Moreover, physical therapists can teach you how to breathe in a way that will not strain your intercostal muscles and reduce the pain you have when you inhale.

2.Stretching and strengthening

These exercises help you increase the flexibility of your upper back, shoulders, and core muscles. At the same time, a physical therapist can teach you how to breathe correctly without straining the muscles mentioned above, reducing the pain you feel when trying to inhale.

3.Prescription Medications

The doctor can assign you a stronger solution to alleviate the symptoms in severe cases. Some of the prescribed drugs might be muscle relaxants to reduce spasms in the back muscles, opioids to manage short-term pain, or anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids to inhibit inflammation when pleurisy is severe. If the pain results from bacterial infections like pleurisy, antibiotics would be prescribed to reduce infection. The drugs would treat the disease since this complication is caused by conditions such as pneumonia.

4. Alternative Therapies

Alternative treatment could help chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy can relieve individuals with muscular or spinal-related pain. Chiropractic adjustments re-align the spine, reducing the pressure on the nerves and improving back function.

What Preventive Measures Should i take if i feel pain in my upper back when breathing

Upper back pain when breathing can be prevented with the following lifestyle changes and regular exercises. Here are some prevention tips:

Maintain Good Posture:

Proper posture reduces strain on your back muscles and spine. Whether sitting, standing, or sleeping, always ensure your spine is well-aligned. Do not slouch, and to reduce your chances of developing bad posture, make ergonomic changes to your workstation to support a healthy posture. Sitting in chairs with armrests and lower back support would be better.

Regular Exercise:

Regular physical activity helps strengthen your core and back muscles, supports your spine and reduces the chances of strain. The exercises should specifically target your upper back, such as rows, lat pull-downs, and shoulder presses. You should also include flexibility exercises like yoga or pilates to enable a full range of motion.

Avoid Smoking:

Smoking is highly associated with lung conditions that may lead to upper back pain when breathing. The conditions include pleurisy and lung cancer. Quitting smoking also improves the health of the lungs, minimizing its chances of being infected by conditions that lead to back pains.

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Excess weight strains your back muscles and spine, causing back pain. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight easily.

Ergonomic Adjustments:

Ensure that your workstation is adjustable to your back. Use a chair whose lower part supports the curve of your lower back. The computer should always be at your eye level, and your feet should be flat on the floor. You can also use a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing.

Regular Breathing Practices:

Practice deep breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs and intercostal muscles. These exercises involve diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing, enabling you to breathe most efficiently.

What will be Detailed Recovery Plan if i still feel a sharp pain in my upper back when breathing

If you have pain in the upper back when breathing and need detailed plans, follow the organized plan and recover your pain. For instance, you can follow this plan to cure yourself unless the injury is very serious:

Week 1: Rest and Pain Management

Rest to keep the condition from worsening, and do not engage in activities that may cause pain.
Apply ice to the injured area and maintain it for at least 15-20 minutes three times daily to reduce inflammation, subside the pain, and numb it.
Use medication or drugs available at the pharmacy, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Start aerobic exercise to use more oxygen to move muscles and prevent stiffness.

Week 2: Introduce Physical Activity

Gradually resume light physical activities and engage in less demanding activities, such as walking or light yoga, to keep your body active without triggering an increased tension in your back.

If necessary, perform exercises during physical therapy, including wall slides, to develop scapular retractors and thoracic and shoulder muscles and improve posture.

Use warming pads and gels to alleviate soreness as needed.

Week 3-4: Strengthening and Flexibility

Start working on the exercises that strengthen the upper back, such as seated rows, lat pull-downs, and the resistance band pull-apart, which your therapist might have shown you during PT sessions.
Do flexibility practice. You can carry out yoga or pilates exercises. Above all, keep your upper back straight and chest out.
Practice auric correction physical activities. Make sure you keep your upper-back blade straight before performing other physical activities. In addition, see that you maintain the correct posture. Physical activity can correct the blade’s pain if tip-offs and open chest.

Week 5 and Beyond: Long-term Maintenance

Continue with regular strength and flexibility practices.
Guard your upper back against activities that strain or injure your muscles. Carry out all other physical activities while keeping your posture in perfect shape.
Check if you are experiencing the symptoms of pain. If negative, consult your physician.

Recommended Exercises for Relief in upper back when breathing

In addition to these exercises, you may also try these more targeted exercises to help relieve upper back pain when breathing:

Thoracic Extension:

Sit on a chair with your hands behind your head.
Gently arch your upper back over the backrest of the chair.
Hold the position for 10-15 seconds.
Begin moving backwards into the straight position.
Again, hold that position for 10-15 seconds.
Perform the steps 3-5 for 5-10 times. This exercise increases your thoracic mobility and reduces pain in this area.

Scapular Retractions:

Sit or stand with your arms at your sides.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together, keeping your shoulders down.
Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release.
Repeat 10-15 times. This exercise strengthens the muscles between your shoulder blades, improving posture and reducing upper back pain.

Child’s Pose (Yoga Stretch):

Kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels.
Stretch your arms before you, lowering your chest toward the floor.
Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply.
Repeat 3-5 times. This stretch helps to elongate the spine and relieve tension in the upper back.

Cat-Cow Stretch:

Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
Inhale as you arch your back cow pose and look up towards the ceiling.
Exhale as you round your back cat, pose and tuck your chin towards your chest.
Repeat 10-15 times. This exercise helps to improve flexibility in the spine and relieve tension.

Doorway Stretch:

Stand in a doorway with your arms at a 90-degree angle against the door frame.
Step one foot forward and gently press your chest through the doorway.
Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch feet.
Repeat 3-5 times. This stretch opens up the chest and shoulders, reducing tension in the upper back.

When to Consult Your Doctor I feel a sharp pain in my upper back when breathing

Your symptoms and upper back pain when breathing might be serious, and you need to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience:

Severe or sudden pain that does not go away despite rest and over-the-counter medications.
Other accompanying symptoms include chest pain, short breathing, disorientation, and vomiting.
The pain does not go away for a few weeks despite a developed recovery plan.
Coughing up blood or experiencing unexplained weight loss along with back pain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, upper back pain when breathing can be explained by numerous causes, from spine curvature, poor posture, and muscle strain to severe conditions, such as pulmonary embolism or lung cancer. Consequently, you need to recognize the symptoms and acquire the right treatment. Finally, following the above preventive measures, detailed recovery plan, and recommended exercises, you will likely reduce your chances of experiencing similar pain.

FAQ'S

1. How Do I Know If My Upper Back Pain Is Serious?

The answer to the question might vary based on the cause of the pain. Generally, the reason for your pain is related to your musculoskeletal or pulmonary conditions. In other words, this could be just a muscle strain, pleurisy, or intercostal muscle strain, or it can be a pulmonary embolism.

2. Why Does My Upper Back Hurt When I Take a Deep Breath?

The conclusion is that you need a doctor’s help if the pain in your upper back is sharp, the chronic heartburn is strong, and the readiness in your chest makes you feel nauseous and vomit, especially if you see some blood coming out of your mouth. The other option is short breath, chest pain, and pain in your left arm – this is what happens when one is having a heart attack.

3. Can Upper Back Pain When Breathing Be Prevented?

Yes, it can be. Generally, it can be prevented by good posture, exercise, avoiding smoking, and maintaining an appropriate weight. In other words, these measures prevent heart attacks and make recovery easier. To your surprise, breathing techniques used in yoga efficiently prevent upper back pain when breathing.

Why Do I Feel Intense Sharp Pain in Upper Back When Breathing?