Upper back pain when breathing can feel alarming, especially if the pain becomes sharp, tight, or makes it difficult to take a full breath. While some causes are minor—such as muscle tension—others may involve injuries, inflammation, or underlying conditions that require medical attention. Understanding why upper back pain occurs during breathing can help you find effective relief and prevent complications.
Why does my upper back hurt when I breathe?
Pain in the upper back that worsens with breathing is often caused by irritation of the muscles, joints, or nerves that move during inhalation. Common causes include:
- Muscle strain — often from lifting, twisting, poor posture, or overuse.
- Rib or thoracic joint dysfunction — irritation where the ribs connect to the spine can cause sharp pain with deep breaths.
- Poor posture — slouching or forward head posture places stress on the upper back and chest muscles.
- Whiplash injuries — common after car accidents; can affect upper back movement and breathing.
- Pinched nerves — pressure in the cervical or thoracic spine can cause pain when inhaling.
- Accident or workplace trauma — direct or indirect injury can cause inflammation or muscle spasms.
- Costochondritis — inflammation in the rib cartilage may mimic upper back pain.
Is upper back pain when breathing serious?
While many causes are musculoskeletal and not dangerous, you should be cautious. Pain that affects breathing may signal:
- Nerve compression in the thoracic spine
- Rib dysfunction or inflammation
- Muscle tears or severe strain
- Injury from a car accident or impact trauma
If pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Common symptoms that accompany upper back pain when breathing
- Sharp or stabbing pain during deep breaths
- Tightness in the upper back or chest
- Pain radiating into the shoulder or ribs
- Muscle spasms or stiffness
- Difficulty standing upright or lifting the arms
How to relieve upper back pain when breathing
For mild cases, the following home remedies may help:
- Heat therapy — helps relax tense muscles.
- Gentle stretching — especially chest, upper back, and shoulder stretches.
- Posture correction — avoid slouching and take frequent breaks if you sit often.
- Ice therapy — reduces inflammation after an acute injury.
- Controlled breathing exercises — reduce muscle tension around the ribs.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories when appropriate.
These methods can offer temporary relief, but they won’t fix injury-related or nerve-based pain.
When to see a doctor?
You should seek professional evaluation if your upper back pain:
- Lasts longer than one week
- Began after a car accident or workplace injury
- Radiates into the arms or chest
- Causes numbness or tingling
- Makes it difficult to take deep breaths
- Doesn’t improve with home care
Medical treatments for upper back pain
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, we offer advanced, non-surgical treatments for upper back pain, including:
- Trigger point injections to release muscle spasms and deep knots
- Nerve blocks for immediate targeted pain relief
- Radiofrequency ablation for long-lasting nerve pain relief
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy for natural healing of injured tissues
- Rehabilitation therapy to restore movement and strengthen supporting muscles
- Diagnostic imaging to identify hidden injuries or disc issues
Expert help for upper back pain
Upper back pain when breathing can be a sign of muscle strain, nerve irritation, or accident-related injury. At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek, MD, offers over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex spine and nerve conditions with advanced, non-surgical care.
Struggling with upper back pain when breathing? Call 201-894-1313 or book your consultation today for expert relief.
