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Back Hurts When I Breathe: Understanding Causes, Diagnosis, and Comprehensive Management

Back hurts when I breath represents a concerning symptom that can range from minor muscle strain to life-threatening medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention. This distressing combination of respiratory discomfort and spinal pain affects millions of people annually, creating anxiety and uncertainty about the underlying cause. While most cases stem from musculoskeletal issues like muscle strain, joint stiffness, or minor injuries that respond well to conservative treatment, some instances signal serious conditions including pulmonary embolism, heart attack, pneumonia, or spinal fractures.

The prevalence of breathing-related back pain varies significantly across age groups and populations, with athletes, manual laborers, and individuals with pre-existing spinal conditions experiencing higher rates. The severity spectrum ranges from mild discomfort during deep inspiration to excruciating pain that prevents normal breathing patterns. Understanding this wide range helps patients recognize when home remedies suffice versus when emergency medical care becomes essential.

This comprehensive medical guide explores the intricate relationship between respiratory mechanics and spinal health, examining various causative factors from common muscle strains to complex systemic diseases. We’ll detail evidence-based diagnostic approaches, outline proven treatment strategies, and provide crucial guidance on recognizing emergency warning signs. Additionally, this article addresses the psychological impact of chronic breathing-related pain and offers practical management techniques for long-term relief.

The respiratory system and spinal column share complex anatomical connections that make breathing-related back pain a common clinical presentation. Your lungs occupy substantial space within the thoracic cavity, maintaining intimate relationships with surrounding muscles, nerves, and bony structures of the thoracic spine. This anatomical proximity means that dysfunction in one system frequently affects the other, creating the characteristic pain pattern experienced during respiration.

Deep Dive into Respiratory Mechanics and Spinal Connection

The thoracic spine, often called the “poor middle child” of spinal regions, represents the longest and most mechanically complex portion of the vertebral column. This region’s unique attachment to the ribcage through costovertebral joints creates a semi-rigid structure that facilitates breathing while maintaining structural stability. When thoracic stiffness develops, surrounding muscles compensate by working harder during respiratory cycles, leading to fatigue, inflammation, and pain that intensifies with each breath.

The diaphragm serves as the primary respiratory muscle, contracting and flattening during inspiration to create negative pressure within the thoracic cavity. This dome-shaped muscle’s rhythmic movements require coordinated spinal mobility, as its attachments extend to the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae. Simultaneously, external intercostal muscles elevate the ribcage while internal intercostals depress it during forced expiration, creating a bellows-like effect that demands precise spinal articulation.

Impaired spinal movement disrupts this delicate respiratory choreography through multiple mechanisms. Joint stiffness restricts the natural expansion and contraction of the thoracic cage, forcing compensatory muscle activation that leads to overuse injuries. Herniated discs can compress nerve roots that innervate respiratory muscles, causing weakness or painful spasms. Inflammatory processes within spinal joints create chemical mediators that sensitize surrounding tissues, making even gentle breathing movements uncomfortable.

The biomechanical relationship between spinal alignment and respiratory efficiency becomes particularly evident in postural disorders. Forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis alter the length-tension relationships of respiratory muscles, requiring greater effort to achieve adequate ventilation. This increased muscular work contributes to fatigue and pain, creating a cycle where poor posture leads to breathing difficulties, which in turn worsen postural compensation patterns.

Back hurts when i breathe
Back hurts when i breathe

Unpacking the Causes: Musculoskeletal vs. Systemic

Understanding the diverse causes of breathing-related back pain requires systematic categorization into musculoskeletal and systemic etiologies. This distinction helps healthcare providers prioritize diagnostic workups and guides appropriate treatment selection based on the underlying pathophysiology.

Musculoskeletal Causes

1. Back Strains and Sprains

Muscle strains and ligamentous sprains represent the most common causes of breathing-related back pain, typically resulting from mechanical overload during activities involving heavy lifting, sudden twisting movements, or repetitive bending motions. The pathophysiology involves microscopic tearing of muscle fibers or ligamentous structures, triggering an inflammatory cascade that produces swelling, muscle spasm, and localized pain sensitivity.

The inflammatory response releases chemical mediators including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines that sensitize nociceptors (pain receptors) throughout the affected tissues. This sensitization explains why even gentle respiratory movements become painful, as the subtle spinal motion required for breathing activates these hypersensitive pain pathways. The pain typically manifests as sharp, localized discomfort that may radiate into the buttocks or between the shoulder blades, often accompanied by protective muscle guarding that further limits mobility.

Clinical manifestations include:

  • Sharp, often unilateral pain that worsens with movement
  • Muscle spasms creating visible or palpable knots in affected muscles
  • Restricted range of motion, particularly with rotation or lateral bending
  • Morning stiffness that improves with gentle activity
  • Pain that may affect both chest and back during deep inspiration
  • Difficulty maintaining prolonged sitting or standing positions

2. Disc Problems

Intervertebral disc disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions from minor annular tears to complete disc herniation with nerve root compression. The spinal discs function as hydraulic shock absorbers, containing a gelatinous nucleus pulposus surrounded by concentric layers of fibrous tissue called the annulus fibrosus. Age-related degeneration, repetitive stress, or acute trauma can compromise this structure, leading to various pain patterns.

When the nucleus pulposus herniates through weakened annular fibers, it may compress adjacent nerve roots or the spinal cord itself. This compression becomes particularly problematic during respiratory movements because the subtle spinal motion associated with breathing can increase pressure on already irritated neural structures. The resulting pain often follows dermatomal patterns, creating radiating symptoms that extend beyond the immediate injury site.

Characteristic symptoms include:

  • Unilateral pain and numbness following specific nerve root distributions
  • Tingling or burning sensations near the injury site
  • Progressive muscle weakness in affected myotomes
  • Pain that radiates to arms or legs depending on the affected spinal level
  • Symptoms that worsen after prolonged sitting or standing
  • Relief with specific positioning or movement patterns

3. Osteoarthritis of the Spine

Spinal osteoarthritis involves progressive degradation of cartilage within facet joints, which are small synovial joints connecting adjacent vertebrae. This degenerative process leads to joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis, and osteophyte formation that can impinge on surrounding neural structures.

The inflammatory component of osteoarthritis releases enzymes that break down cartilage matrix while simultaneously stimulating pain receptors within the joint capsule and surrounding tissues. Any movement that loads these inflamed joints, including the subtle articular motion during breathing, can trigger pain responses. The condition typically progresses slowly over years, with symptoms that fluctuate based on activity levels, weather changes, and overall inflammatory burden.

Common presentations include:

  • Gradual onset of back pain that may worsen with deep breathing
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Pain that improves with moderate activity but worsens with prolonged use
  • Crepitus or grinding sensations with spinal movement
  • Reduced flexibility and range of motion
  • Weather-related symptom fluctuations

Traumatic injuries including soft tissue damage, vertebral fractures, and rib injuries create immediate structural disruption that interferes with normal respiratory mechanics. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause multiple concurrent injuries that compound the complexity of resulting symptoms.

Soft tissue swelling following trauma creates space-occupying lesions that compress surrounding structures and limit normal tissue mobility. Fractured vertebrae may become unstable, creating abnormal movement patterns that irritate healing tissues with each respiratory cycle. Rib fractures directly affect the mechanical advantage of intercostal muscles, requiring compensatory activation of accessory respiratory muscles that may not be conditioned for sustained use.

Acute trauma symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of severe pain following a specific incident
  • Visible bruising or swelling around the injury site
  • Localized tenderness with palpation
  • Protective muscle spasms that worsen over the first 24-48 hours
  • Possible neurological symptoms including numbness or tingling
  • In severe cases, limb weakness or paralysis requiring immediate medical attention
Injury Type Primary Mechanism Pain Characteristics Associated Symptoms
Soft Tissue Strain Muscle fiber tearing Sharp, localized pain Muscle spasms, swelling
Vertebral Fracture Bone structure failure Deep, constant aching Possible neurological deficits
Rib Fracture Direct impact trauma Sharp pain with inspiration Shallow breathing, bruising
Ligamentous Sprain Joint instability Variable pain patterns Joint stiffness, swelling

5. Spinal Curvature Conditions

Scoliosis

Scoliosis involves abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often accompanied by rotational deformities that can significantly impact respiratory function. Severe curvatures create asymmetric loading patterns that place excessive stress on concave-side muscles while overstretching convex-side structures.

The three-dimensional nature of scoliotic deformity affects thoracic cage geometry, potentially reducing lung capacity and altering respiratory muscle mechanics. In severe cases, the deformed ribcage may compress lung tissue, creating restrictive pulmonary disease that makes breathing more difficult and painful. The asymmetric muscle activation required to maintain postural stability in scoliotic spines can lead to chronic fatigue and pain that worsens with respiratory efforts.

Scoliosis symptoms include:

  • Visible spinal curvature with asymmetric shoulder or hip heights
  • Uneven ribcage prominence, particularly when bending forward
  • Chronic back pain that may worsen with deep breathing
  • Reduced exercise tolerance due to respiratory limitations
  • In severe cases, shortness of breath during normal activities
  • Progressive deformity in growing adolescents
Kyphosis

Kyphosis represents excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine, commonly seen in older adults due to vertebral compression fractures or postural changes. This condition significantly reduces the anterior-posterior diameter of the thoracic cavity, limiting lung expansion capacity and creating mechanical disadvantage for respiratory muscles.

The forward-flexed posture associated with severe kyphosis places the diaphragm in a shortened position, reducing its contractile efficiency and requiring greater effort to achieve adequate ventilation. Additionally, the altered chest wall geometry increases the work of breathing, leading to respiratory muscle fatigue and associated pain patterns.

Kyphosis manifestations include:

  • Pronounced forward curvature of the upper back
  • Chronic back pain that worsens with prolonged upright positioning
  • Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
  • Difficulty maintaining erect posture
  • In severe cases, problems with swallowing due to altered anatomy
  • Balance difficulties and increased fall risk

6. Intercostal Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia involves irritation or damage to the intercostal nerves that run between the ribs, providing sensation to the chest wall and innervating intercostal muscles. This condition can result from surgical procedures, viral infections like herpes zoster, traumatic injuries, or pregnancy-related changes.

The intercostal nerves contain both sensory and motor fibers, so irritation can cause both painful sensations and muscle dysfunction. The pain typically follows the anatomical distribution of the affected nerve, creating a band-like pattern that wraps around the torso from the spine to the sternum. Respiratory movements stretch and compress these already irritated nerves, intensifying the pain and creating characteristic breathing-related symptoms.

Intercostal neuralgia features:

  • Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain following specific intercostal nerve distributions
  • Pain that wraps around the ribcage from back to front
  • Tingling or numbness in affected dermatomes
  • Muscle weakness in severe cases affecting respiratory function
  • Symptoms that worsen with deep inspiration, coughing, or sneezing
  • Allodynia (pain from normally non-painful stimuli) in chronic cases

7. Postural and Lifestyle Factors

Certain sleeping positions, particularly prone positioning, can create significant stress on the thoracic spine and associated respiratory muscles. Stomach sleeping forces the neck into extreme rotation while flattening the natural spinal curves, leading to joint stiffness and muscle tension that persists into waking hours.

The use of back braces and posture-correcting devices, while popular, can paradoxically worsen back pain by creating dependency and weakening the natural postural muscles. A 2019 systematic review published in the Scandinavian Journal of Pain found no evidence supporting the effectiveness of posture-correcting shirts for musculoskeletal pain relief, highlighting the importance of active strengthening over passive support devices.

Internal Organ and Systemic Causes

1. Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism represents a life-threatening condition where blood clots obstruct pulmonary arteries, severely compromising lung perfusion and oxygenation. The sudden onset of sharp, pleuritic chest and back pain results from acute lung tissue ischemia and inflammation of the pleural surfaces.

The pathophysiology involves complete or partial arterial occlusion that prevents adequate blood flow to affected lung segments. This creates a ventilation-perfusion mismatch where ventilated alveoli receive no blood flow, leading to dead space ventilation and compensatory hyperventilation. The inflammatory response to tissue ischemia releases pain mediators that sensitize both pulmonary and referred pain pathways, creating the characteristic sharp pain that worsens dramatically with deep inspiration.

Critical pulmonary embolism symptoms:

  • Sudden onset of severe chest, shoulder, or back pain
  • Profound shortness of breath, often at rest
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and irregular rhythm
  • Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • Lightheadedness or syncope
  • Unilateral leg swelling suggesting deep vein thrombosis
  • Severe anxiety or sense of impending doom

This condition requires immediate emergency medical attention and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Myocardial infarction occurs when coronary artery occlusion prevents adequate blood flow to heart muscle, causing cellular death and intense pain. While classic presentations involve crushing chest pain, many patients experience atypical symptoms including back pain, particularly in women, elderly individuals, and diabetics.

The pain mechanism involves multiple pathways including direct nociceptor activation from ischemic cardiac tissue, sympathetic nervous system stimulation, and referred pain patterns through shared neural pathways between the heart and thoracic spine. The physical stress of breathing, combined with systemic catecholamine release during the acute event, can intensify pain perception and create the association between respiratory movements and cardiac pain.

Heart attack warning signs:

  • Pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation in the chest
  • Pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back
  • Shortness of breath, particularly with minimal exertion
  • Profound fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like symptoms
  • Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
  • Feeling of panic or impending doom

Heart attack is a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 activation and emergency department evaluation.

3. Pleurisy (Pleuritis)

Pleurisy involves inflammation of the pleural membranes that surround each lung, creating painful friction between the visceral pleura (attached to the lung) and parietal pleura (lining the chest wall). This condition can result from viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or malignancies.

The inflammatory process roughens the normally smooth pleural surfaces, causing them to rub against each other during respiratory movements. This friction generates the characteristic sharp, stabbing pain that intensifies dramatically with inspiration, coughing, or sudden movements. The pain often radiates to the shoulder and back due to shared innervation patterns between the diaphragmatic pleura and cervical nerve roots.

Pleurisy symptoms include:

  • Sharp, knife-like chest pain that worsens with deep breathing
  • Pain that may radiate to the shoulder and back
  • Shallow, rapid breathing to minimize discomfort
  • Dry cough that worsens pain
  • Fever and chills if infectious etiology
  • Pain relief when holding the breath briefly

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia represents acute infection and inflammation of lung parenchyma, causing alveolar filling with inflammatory exudate that impairs gas exchange. The inflammatory process extends beyond the alveoli to include surrounding pleural surfaces, creating pleuritic pain that can be felt in the chest, abdomen, or back.

The infection triggers a robust inflammatory response involving neutrophil infiltration, cytokine release, and increased vascular permeability. This creates significant tissue swelling and irritation that affects both pulmonary function and pain perception. The increased work of breathing required to maintain adequate oxygenation, combined with direct tissue inflammation, creates the characteristic respiratory-related pain pattern.

Pneumonia manifestations:

  • Productive cough with purulent sputum
  • Fever, chills, and night sweats
  • Shortness of breath, even at rest in severe cases
  • Chest, back, or abdominal pain that worsens with breathing
  • Fatigue and malaise
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Confusion in elderly patients

Here’s a comprehensive table comparing key respiratory-related causes:

Condition Pain Onset Pain Quality Associated Symptoms Emergency Level
Pulmonary Embolism Sudden Sharp, stabbing Shortness of breath, hemoptysis Emergency
Heart Attack Sudden to gradual Pressure, crushing Arm pain, nausea, sweating Emergency
Pleurisy Gradual Sharp, knife-like Fever, shallow breathing Urgent
Pneumonia Gradual Aching to sharp Productive cough, fever Urgent
Lung Cancer Gradual Dull, persistent Weight loss, chronic cough Non-urgent but important

5. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer often remains asymptomatic in early stages, making it particularly dangerous. When symptoms develop, they may include back pain due to direct tumor invasion of chest wall structures, metastatic spread to vertebrae, or compression of neural structures within the thoracic cavity.

Primary lung tumors can directly invade the parietal pleura, chest wall muscles, or even vertebral bodies, creating persistent pain that may worsen with breathing due to mechanical irritation. Metastatic disease commonly spreads to bones, particularly the spine, creating osteolytic lesions that weaken vertebral structure and cause pathological fractures. Additionally, tumors near the lung apex (Pancoast tumors) can compress the brachial plexus, creating complex pain patterns that include both back and arm symptoms.

Lung cancer warning signs:

  • Persistent cough that changes in character
  • Hemoptysis or blood-streaked sputum
  • Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
  • Chest pain that may radiate to the back
  • Hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement
  • Swelling of face or neck from superior vena cava compression

6. Chronic Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, creates long-term changes in respiratory mechanics that can contribute to back pain through multiple mechanisms. The increased work of breathing required in COPD leads to overuse of accessory respiratory muscles, including neck and upper back muscles not designed for sustained respiratory work.

The chronic inflammation associated with COPD releases systemic inflammatory mediators that can sensitize pain pathways throughout the body. Additionally, the postural changes that develop to optimize breathing mechanics in COPD patients often create muscular imbalances and joint stiffness that contribute to chronic pain patterns.

COPD symptoms include:

  • Progressive shortness of breath, initially with exertion
  • Chronic productive cough, particularly in the morning
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Wheezing and chest tightness
  • Fatigue and exercise intolerance
  • Use of accessory respiratory muscles during normal breathing

7. Asthma

Asthma involves chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness that can create significant respiratory muscle fatigue and associated back pain. During acute exacerbations, the increased work of breathing and use of accessory muscles can strain the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles.

The chronic inflammation in asthma involves complex interactions between immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and structural airway changes. This systemic inflammatory state can sensitize pain pathways and contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions. Additionally, the postural adaptations that asthmatic patients develop to optimize breathing can create muscular imbalances that predispose to back pain.

Asthma characteristics:

  • Episodic wheezing and chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath triggered by specific stimuli
  • Chronic cough, particularly at night
  • Rapid breathing and use of accessory muscles during attacks
  • Fatigue following acute exacerbations
  • Exercise-induced symptoms

5 common questions people often ask about “back hurts when I breathe”

1. Why does my back hurt when I breathe?
Back pain when breathing can be caused by several factors, including muscle strain, rib injuries, spinal problems, or lung-related issues. Muscle strain from overuse or injury can cause pain that worsens with each breath. Rib fractures or bruising from trauma can also cause sharp pain during breathing. Additionally, conditions like scoliosis or herniated discs can put pressure on nerves or the lungs, leading to discomfort when breathing. Lung infections such as pneumonia or inflammation of the lung lining (pleurisy) can also cause back pain during breathing.

2. Is back pain when breathing a sign of a serious medical condition?
Yes, back pain when breathing can sometimes indicate a serious condition. If the pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or lung cancer. These require immediate medical attention. Other serious causes include collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or severe lung infections.

3. What should I do if my back hurts when I breathe?
If your back hurts when you breathe but you do not have difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, resting and avoiding strenuous activities often helps. Applying heat or ice to the affected area and taking over-the-counter pain medications can relieve muscle strain or rib injury pain. If the pain persists beyond a week or worsens, especially after trauma, you should see a doctor or a back specialist for evaluation. Physical therapy or chiropractic care may be recommended if a pinched nerve or spinal issue is involved.

4. Can poor posture cause back pain when breathing?
Yes, poor posture such as slouching or hunching can put extra pressure on the spine and muscles supporting the rib cage. This pressure can restrict natural rib cage movement, making breathing painful or strained. Improving posture through stretching, ergonomic adjustments, and chiropractic care can help relieve this type of back pain during breathing.

5. What are common lung-related causes of back pain when breathing?
Lung-related causes include pneumonia, which is an infection causing inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing. Pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura (lung lining), causes sharp chest and back pain that intensifies during breathing. Lung cancer or other lung diseases may also cause back pain, especially if the pain is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms like coughing or weight loss.

References

1. Musculoskeletal Causes

A. Intercostal Muscle Strain

  • Evidence/Study: A clinical overview of the diagnosis and treatment of intercostal muscle injuries.

  • Title: Intercostal Muscle Strain

  • Author(s): Christopher S. Ray; Ryan J. Nack.

  • Source: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; January 2023.

  • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562286/

  • Key Takeaway: The article describes intercostal muscle strain as a common cause of chest wall pain, characterized by “sharp, localized pain that is exacerbated by deep inspiration, coughing, or trunk movement.” The pain can often be felt in the back as well as the chest.

B. Costochondritis

  • Evidence/Study: A review article discussing the etiology, diagnosis, and management of costochondritis.

  • Title: Costochondritis

  • Author(s): Proulx, A. M., & Zryd, T. W.

  • Source: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 2023.

  • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537122/

  • Key Takeaway: This resource explains that costochondritis causes chest pain that can be “sharp, aching, or pressure-like” and is “often worsened with coughing, deep breathing, or physical activity.” The pain can radiate to the back or abdomen.

2. Pulmonary Causes

A. Pleurisy / Pleuritis

  • Evidence/Study: Patient information from a leading medical institution.

  • Title: Pleurisy

  • Author/Source: Mayo Clinic Staff

  • Source: Mayo Clinic

  • Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pleurisy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351863

  • Key Takeaway: The Mayo Clinic defines pleurisy’s primary symptom as a “sharp chest pain (pleuritic pain) that worsens during breathing.” This pain can radiate to the shoulders or back.

B. Pulmonary Embolism

  • Evidence/Study: A comprehensive review of the condition published in a major medical journal.

  • Title: Pulmonary Embolism

  • Author(s): Parth M. Rali, MD; Jason A. Akulian, MD, MPH.

  • Source: JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), 2020;323(17):1738.

  • Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2765322

  • Key Takeaway: This article highlights that “pleuritic chest pain” is a classic symptom of pulmonary embolism, occurring in a significant percentage of patients. The pain is sudden, sharp, and worsens with deep inspiration, often accompanied by shortness of breath.

3. Spinal Conditions

A. Thoracic Spine Herniated Disc

  • Evidence/Study: An informational page from a professional neurosurgical association.

  • Title: Herniated Disc

  • Author/Source: American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)

  • Source: AANS

  • Link: https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Herniated-Disc

  • Key Takeaway: The AANS explains that a herniated disc can cause radiculopathy (pain from a pinched nerve). In the thoracic spine, this can manifest as “band-like pain around the chest” that can be aggravated by activities that increase pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or even deep breathing.

4. Cardiac Causes

A. Pericarditis (Viêm màng ngoài tim)

  • Evidence/Study: An overview from a major academic medical center.

  • Title: Pericarditis

  • Author/Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

  • Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

  • Link: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pericarditis

  • Key Takeaway: The resource describes the pain of pericarditis as a “sharp, stabbing chest pain” that can radiate to the back. Crucially, it notes the pain “often gets worse when you cough, lie down or take a deep breath.”

5. Other Potential Causes 

A. Shingles

  • Evidence/Study: Authoritative public health information on the disease.

  • Title: Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

  • Author/Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Source: CDC

  • Link: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html

  • Key Takeaway: The CDC states that “pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop” are often the first symptoms. This pain can be intense and is confined to a dermatome (an area of skin supplied by a single nerve), which can be on the back or chest. Any movement, including breathing, can aggravate this nerve pain.

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