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Back Pain When Breathing: 11 Medically reviewed by

Deborah Weatherspoon,
Ph.D., MSN — By Daniel
Possible Causes Yetman on March 25, 2020

Strained muscle Pulmonary embolism Scoliosis Obesity

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Bruised or broken rib Pleurisy Herniated disk Pneumonia Lung cancer

Heart attack Fractured vertebra When to get care Bottom line

Back pain when breathing can have many different causes.

The pain may be caused by an injury to either the bones or muscles in your back. Or it may be
caused by a medical condition that affects your internal organs such as your lungs or heart.

In this article, we take a closer look at 11 possible causes of back pain when breathing, along
with the symptoms and treatment options for each cause.

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1. Strained muscle
A strained muscle can be caused by an injury or from repetitive use. If you’ve strained a muscle
in your back, you’ll probably notice a sharp pain on the side of your body where the injury
occurred.

Symptoms of a strained muscle include:

sudden pain when breathing and moving

muscle spasms
reduced range of motion
trouble bending over

Strained muscles usually aren’t serious and may get better by themselves with rest. However, a
proper diagnosis from a medical professional can help determine if your injury is a muscle
strain or a more serious issue.

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2. Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in an artery of your lung. The condition is potentially life
threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

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The most common symptom of pulmonary embolism is shortness of breath. It may also cause
severe pain in your chest, shoulder, back, or neck on the affected side.

Other symptoms include:

irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness
rapid breathing
restlessness
coughing up blood
chest pain
weak pulse

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3. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal side to side curvature of your spine. It most commonly occurs during ADVERTISEMENT

the rapid growth spurt associated with adolescence. The exact cause of scoliosis isn’t always
known, but developmental issues, genetics, and neurological conditions may contribute.

People with scoliosis may have pain when they breathe due to pressure from their ribcage and
spine against their heart and lungs.

Symptoms of scoliosis include:

back pain
pain with breathing
uneven shoulders
one hip higher than the other

Symptoms of scoliosis can appear gradually and might not be noticeable at first.

If you think you may have scoliosis, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis. For a Longer Life and Happier Gut,
Eat More Fiber 

4. Obesity
More weight around the abdomen, neck, and back can lead to breathing problems and
discomfort when breathing. People with obesity can develop obesity hypoventilation
syndrome.

Symptoms of obesity hypoventilation syndrome include:

trouble breathing at night

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feeling sluggish throughout the day

feeling out of breath
headaches

5. Bruised or broken rib

The symptoms of a bruised rib or broken rib are similar. An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI is often
needed to differentiate the two.

Both types of rib injuries can cause pain at the site of the injury when you inhale, sneeze, laugh,
or make other jerking motions with your abdomen.

Other symptoms of a bruised or broken rib include:

discoloration around the injury Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen

Supplements 
muscle spasms or twitching
tenderness around the injury

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6. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a condition that causes inflammation of the lung lining. This lining, known as the
pleura, consists of two thin membranes that line and protect each lung. The severity of pleurisy ADVERTISEMENT

can range from mild to life threatening.

When this lining becomes inflamed, it can make breathing difficult. You may feel a sharp,
stabbing pain on one or both sides of your chest. Or you may feel constant pain in your chest.
The pain often gets worse when you breathe. The pain may also spread to your shoulders and
back.

Other symptoms include:

shortness of breath or shallow breathing

coughing
a rapid heartbeat
fever
headache
unexplained weight loss 6 Ways to Boost Your Coffee with
Vitamins and Antioxidants 
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections.

Medications may be prescribed to relieve a cough or to break up blood clots or large
 amounts of mucus.
In less severe cases, over-the-counter medications may help reduce pain and
inflammation.

7. Herniated disk
Between each of your vertebra is a rubbery disk that absorbs shock. Each of these disks has a ADVERTISEMENT

jelly-like center and a harder outer edge. A herniated disk, or slipped disk, occurs when the
disk ruptures and the jelly-like center ruptures through the outer layer.

When the slipped disk presses against a nearby nerve or your spinal cord, it can lead to pain,
numbness, or weakness of one of your limbs. The most common spot to experience a
herniated disk is in your lower back.

A herniated disk may cause back pain when you breathe. Other common symptoms include:

pain and numbness on one side of your body

tingling or burning near the injury
muscle weakness
pain that extends to your arms or legs
pain that gets worse after standing or sitting

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If you think you have a herniated disk, you should see a medical professional right away to
avoid permanent nerve damage.

8. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in your lungs. This causes
the air sacs to fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. It can occur in just one lung or both
lungs.

Symptoms can vary in severity and range from mild to life threatening. The most common
symptoms include:

coughing that produces phlegm (mucus)

shortness of breath that can happen even when resting
chest, abdominal, or back pain that gets worse when breathing or coughing
fever
sweating or chills
fatigue
wheezing
nausea or vomiting

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

If pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Antifungal medications may be prescribed to fight fungal pneumonia. Many cases of viral
pneumonia clear up on their own with rest and at-home care.

In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized.

9. Lung cancer
Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages.

A tumor in your lung that presses against the nerves of your spine can cause back pain on one
side. Also, if the cancer spreads to other organs in the body, it may cause bone pain in the
back or hips.

Other symptoms of lung cancer include:

a lingering cough
coughing up blood
chest pain that gets worse when you breathe, cough, or laugh
frequent respiratory infections
pain when swallowing
shortness of breath
hoarseness
unexplained weight loss
loss of appetite

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to follow up with your doctor for a proper
diagnosis.

10. Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when a blockage cuts off the blood supply to your heart. As a result, the
heart muscle begins to die.

Heart attacks can cause a feeling of pressure or pain in your chest that can spread to your
back. The symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone has the same types of
symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

chest pain
pain in your left arm
trouble breathing
fatigue
nausea
sweating
indigestion

A heart attack can be life threatening and is a serious medical emergency. If you think you’re
having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

11. Fractured vertebra

A fractured vertebra in your back is most often caused by traumatic injury. Pain from a fractured
vertebra often gets worse with movement.

The symptoms of a fractured vertebra can vary depending on what part of your back is injured.
Damaged bone can press against your spinal cord and cause symptoms such as:
 numbness and tingling
weakness
bladder dysfunction

Having osteoporosis puts you at an elevated risk of developing a fractured vertebra. If you
suspect that one of your vertebrae might be broken, be sure to get medical attention as soon
as possible.

When to seek care

Some of the causes of back pain when breathing are potentially serious. If you notice any of
the following symptoms, it’s important to get immediate medical attention:

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

loss of bladder or bowel function
fever
coughing up blood
severe pain
numbness or tingling

The bottom line

There are many potential causes of back pain when breathing. Some of these causes may
need prompt medical attention, 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. If you think you
have symptoms of a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or severe pneumonia, get medical
attention immediately.

Last medically reviewed on March 25, 2020

How we reviewed this article: Share this article

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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Mar 25, 2020

Written By
Daniel Yetman

Edited By
Claire Brocato

Medically Reviewed By Was this article helpful?

Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN

Copy Edited By
Yes No
Anne Arntson
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What Causes Back Pain When You Medically reviewed by

William Morrison, M.D. — By
James Roland on August 6,
Sneeze? 2019

Causes Sneezing as a cause Back protection when sneezing

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Home remedies When to seek care Takeaway

Sometimes a simple sneeze can leave you frozen in place as a sudden spasm of pain grips
your back. As you try to make sense of what just happened, you may wonder what the
connection is between a sneeze and back pain.

There are times when the sudden and awkward movement of a big sneeze can actually cause
the pain. In other cases, the sneeze can trigger a painful symptom of an existing muscle or
nerve problem in your back.

This article will take a closer look at what can cause back pain when you sneeze, and what you
can do to protect your back.

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What can cause back pain when you

sneeze?
Health
A variety of muscle, bone, and Conditions
nerve problems may beDiscover Plan sneezeConnect
triggered by a violent or, if they SUBSCRIBE
are pre-existing, made worse by a sneeze.

Herniated disc
In between your vertebrae — the stack of bones that make up your spine and surround your
spinal cord — are tough, spongy discs. A spinal disc is tough on the outside, but softer inside.

A herniated or ruptured disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like material inside the disc pushes
through a hole in the exterior and presses against nearby nerves or the spinal cord itself.

A herniated disc can be treated and doesn’t always cause pain. If you are living with a
herniated disc, you may be able to get through your day with little discomfort. But a sneeze,
cough, or other action may cause the inner disc material to push harder against a nerve,
sparking a sudden bout of pain.
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Muscle strain
A muscle strain, sometimes also called a “pulled muscle,” is a stretch or tear in a muscle. It is
usually caused by some kind of activity, like twisting or lifting, or by overexerting your muscles
during a workout.

When you have a pulled muscle in your back, it can be painful when you move, bend, or turn
your abdomen. Sneezing can also put pressure on the muscles in your back and cause a
spasm of pain. In some cases, a particularly forceful sneeze can actually cause a muscle strain.

Vertebral compression fracture

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when part of your vertebra collapses. According
to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, it’s the most common fracture in people
with the bone-thinning condition known as osteoporosis.

For people with severe osteoporosis, a sneeze or simply climbing a few stairs can cause a VCF.
For people with mild or moderate osteoporosis, usually a fall or other type of trauma is
necessary to cause this type of fracture to the vertebrae.

Sciatica ADVERTISEMENT

Your sciatic nerve is the longest, widest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower spine down
through your pelvis, where it branches and continues down each leg.

Damage to the sciatic nerve is called sciatica. It often causes leg pain as well as back pain. A
sudden sneeze can put pressure on this tough, but vulnerable nerve and cause shooting pains
and numbness down one or both legs.

When a sneeze causes sciatica symptoms  to worsen, it could mean you have a serious
herniated disc that requires attention.

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For a Longer Life and Happier Gut,

Eat More Fiber 
Can sneezing cause back pain?
Your back is involved with almost all movements of your upper body. Lifting, reaching, bending,
turning, playing sports, and even just sitting and standing require your spine and back muscles
to work properly.

But as strong as your back muscles and spine are, they are also vulnerable to strains and
injuries. At some point, you’ve probably lifted something too heavy or overdone it on the yard
work and felt a pang of back pain.

Sudden awkward movements, like a violent sneeze can also trigger back pain that lasts a few
seconds or much longer. And it’s not just your back muscles that are at risk. When you sneeze,
your diaphragm and intercostal muscles — those in between your ribs — contract to help push
air out of your lungs. ADVERTISEMENT

A violent sneeze can strain your chest muscles. And if your back muscles aren’t ready for a
sudden sneeze, the unexpected tensing of these muscles and awkward movement during a
sneeze can cause a spasm — an involuntary and often painful contraction of one or more
muscles.
Those same fast and forceful movements of a big sneeze can also injure ligaments, nerves, and
the discs between your vertebrae, similar to the damage that can occur in the neck from
whiplash. While a herniated disc tends to form over time from ongoing wear and tear, a single Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen
excessive strain can also cause a disc to bulge outward. Supplements 

Summary
The sudden tensing of your abdominal muscles during a forceful sneeze can cause a
strain in your back muscles. A violent sneeze can also injure the ligaments, nerves, and
discs between your vertebrae.

Was this helpful? s r

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How to protect your back when sneezing

If you have back pain and you feel as though you’re about to sneeze, one way to protect your
back is to stand up straight, rather than remain sitting. The force on the spinal discs is reduced ADVERTISEMENT

when you’re standing.

According to a 2014 study  , you may find even more benefit by standing, leaning forward, and
placing your hands on a table, counter, or other solid surface when you sneeze. This can help
to take the pressure off your spine and back muscles.

Standing against a wall with a cushion in your lower back may also help.

6 Ways to Boost Your Coffee with

Home remedies for back pain Vitamins and Antioxidants 

If you’re living with back pain, you know how important it is to find relief. Some common and
effective home remedies for back pain include the following:

Ice. For a muscle strain, you can place an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth to keep from
harming the skin) on the sore area to reduce inflammation. You can do this a few times a
day, for 20 minutes at a time.
Heat. After a few days of ice treatments, try placing a heat pack on your back for 20
minutes at a time. This can help increase circulation to your tightened muscles.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Medications like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin) can reduce inflammation and ease muscle-related pain.
Stretching. Mild stretching, such as simple overhead reaches and side bends, may help
ease pain and muscle tension. Always stop if you feel sharp pain and never stretch
beyond the point where you start to feel your muscles extending. If you’re unsure about
how to do safe stretches, work with a certified personal trainer or a physical therapist.
Gentle exercise: Although you may think you need to rest, being sedentary for long
periods can make your back pain worse. A 2010 review of research  showed that gentle
movement, like walking or swimming or just doing your daily activities, can increase blood
flow to your sore muscles and speed up healing. ADVERTISEMENT

Proper posture. Standing and sitting with good posture can help ensure that you don’t put
extra pressure or strain on your back. When standing or sitting, keep your shoulders back
and not rounded forward. When seated in front of a computer, make sure your neck and
back are in alignment and the screen is at eye level.
 Stress management. Stress can have many physical effects on your body, including back
pain. Activities such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga may help reduce your
mental stress and ease the tension in your back muscles.

When to see a doctor

If a sudden bout of back pain doesn’t get better with self-care within a couple of weeks, or if it
Was this article helpful?
gets worse, follow up with your doctor.

It’s important to get immediate medical care if you have back pain and: Yes No

loss of sensation in your low back, hip, legs, or groin area

loss of bladder or bowel control
a history of cancer
pain that goes from you back, down your leg, to below your knee
any other sudden or unusual symptoms like a high fever or abdominal pain

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The takeaway
If you have back issues, you probably know that a sneeze, a cough, a misstep while walking, or
some other harmless action can trigger a bout of back pain.

If a sneeze suddenly causes a pain spasm or longer-lasting back pain, it may be a sign of an
undiagnosed back condition.

If the pain persists, or you have trouble doing your daily activities, be sure to follow up with
your doctor to get to the root of the problem. Knowing what caused your back pain may help
ease or prevent similar pain the next time you feel a tickle in your nose.

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Last medically reviewed on August 6, 2019

How we reviewed this article: Share this article

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