If back pain occurs when a person breathes, it can signal an underlying medical condition. Possible causes range from improper spinal curvature to lung cancer.

Back pain while breathing can also indicate a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, particularly if the person is also experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain.

This article investigates some possible causes of back pain while breathing and describes when to see a doctor.

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Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Although it can affect people of any age, it typically occurs in preteens or young teenagers.

In some people, the spine can become so curved that it places extra pressure on the lungs, making breathing painful.

Symptoms of scoliosis can include:

Treatment options

Doctors will consider many factors when deciding on treatment options, such as a person’s sex, the severity of the curve, curve position, and bone maturity. For example, a doctor may recommend observation for less severe curvature in younger individuals and suggest physical therapy for adults. For people with mild-to-moderate curvature, a doctor may recommend wearing a back brace. Individuals with more severe scoliosis may require spinal fusion surgery to straighten their spine.

In some cases, back pain while breathing can be a symptom of a heart attack. This is life threatening and requires immediate medical assistance.

A heart attack can occur if the blood flow to the heart’s muscles suddenly becomes blocked, by a blood clot, for example.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:

People with symptoms of a heart attack should contact or visit emergency services immediately.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the heart attack. Typically, treatments involve techniques to restore blood flow to part of the heart muscle damaged during a heart attack. When a heart attack is severe, the doctor may pass a type of catheter through the person’s groin or wrist to open the blocked artery.

Carrying excess weight can place extra pressure on a person’s back, joints, and other parts of the body. Some people with obesity can have breathing problems and find it uncomfortable or even painful to take full, deep breaths.

Treatment options

Losing weight — for example, through a calorie-restricted diet and regular exercise — may help alleviate back and joint pain. People who are having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight may wish to speak to a doctor about possible hormonal causes, such as low thyroid function.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, a common sign of lung cancer is chest pain that usually worsens during deep breathing or coughing.

If the cancer spreads to other organs, it may cause bone pain in a person’s back or hips. A lung tumor can also press on nerves in the spine, affecting a person’s breathing and causing back pain.

Other symptoms of lung cancer can include:

Treatment options

Treatment for lung cancer depends on several factors, including:

  • the type of lung cancer
  • the location, size, and stage of the cancer
  • the person’s overall health

Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Kyphosis is a condition that causes a person’s spine to curve forward, which can lead to a hunched posture.

This curvature can develop during adolescence, following a spinal injury, or result from aging.

Kyphosis can also cause back pain, swelling, and balance issues. Symptoms may get worse over time, which can lead to difficulty breathing or eating in some people.

Treatment options

Treatment for kyphosis can involve attending physical therapy, wearing a brace, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. For severe kyphosis, a doctor may recommend surgical treatment, such as a spinal fusion.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot develops in an artery that supplies blood to the lungs. This can block the flow of blood, which can be life threatening.

A person with a pulmonary embolism often experiences pain while taking a deep breath and pain in the upper back.

Other symptoms can include:

A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency, and people with these symptoms should seek immediate assistance.

Treatment options

Treatment options involve keeping the blood clot from growing and preventing the formation of new clots. Options typically include anticoagulant medications to break down the blood clot and a surgical procedure to remove or bypass the clot.

Pneumonia is an infection that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid. It can occur in one or both lungs.

Symptoms of pneumonia vary in severity, but people may experience chest, abdominal, or back pain when breathing or coughing.

Other symptoms of pneumonia can include:

Treatment options

Treatment options will depend on the type of pneumonia a person has. When bacteria are responsible for the infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. When a virus is responsible, supportive treatments are available. Severe pneumonia may require hospitalization.

Intercostal neuralgia is a condition that causes neuropathic pain in the area corresponding to the intercostal nerves (rib, chest, upper abdominal wall). This pain may be constant or intermittent and can be exacerbated by breathing.

Causes of this condition include certain surgical procedures, such as a thoracotomy, shingles, traumatic injury, and pregnancy.

Symptoms are as follows:

  • a sharp, stabbing, burning, or aching pain in the ribs, chest, or abdomen
  • tingling and numbness in the ribs, chest, or abdomen
  • reduced motor function around the affected area (in severe cases)

Treatment options

Treatment options for intercostal neuralgia depend on the underlying cause. Medication like opioids, anticonvulsants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed for pain control. Other options include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and certain antidepressants.

People with severe, persistent, or worsening back pain should visit a doctor. This is particularly important when the pain occurs alongside tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Seek immediate medical assistance for back or chest pain that accompanies:

  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • severe coughing or coughing up blood
  • dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness
  • pain in one or both arms
  • swelling in the legs
  • weakness or numbness

Below are some commonly asked questions about back pain when breathing.

What causes a sharp pain when breathing deeply?

If a person has pain when they take a deep breath, it could be due to infection, inflammation, or spinal curvature. In more serious cases, it can point to a heart attack, pneumonia, or lung cancer.

Can lung pain be felt in the back?

Severe cases of a collapsed lung can cause back pain. Similarly, lung cancer that has spread can also cause pain in the back.

How does a person know if back pain is lung related?

Lung tumors can sometimes put pressure on the spine, leading to back pain. People should consider their other symptoms and speak with a doctor to understand if back pain is due to lung cancer or another cause.

Back pain while breathing may be a sign of a serious underlying condition or even a medical emergency, so it is important not to ignore the symptom.

People with severe, persistent, or worsening back pain should visit a doctor. Anyone with symptoms that could indicate a heart attack or pulmonary embolism should receive emergency medical attention.