Have you ever experienced the discomfort of Lower back pain that seems to intensify when you take a simple breath? If so, you’re not alone.

Lower back pain while Breathing in can be perplexing and worrisome for many individuals. This post will uncover why your lower back hurts when you breathe in.

The human body is a complex and interconnected system, where one issue can often influence other parts.

Our lower back is a crucial support structure for the spine and the entire body. It plays a significant role in maintaining balance and stability.  If you’re experiencing lower back pain when breathing, use this post as a first step toward understanding the issue better.

Lower Back and Respiratory System 

The lower back and the respiratory system are vital components of the human body. Each plays a unique role in maintaining health and functionality.

The lower back, also known as the lumbar region, consists of five vertebrae (L1 to L5) that support the upper body’s weight and facilitate movement. It serves as a bridge between the upper body and the pelvis. It provides stability and flexibility for various activities such as standing, bending, and lifting. 

The respiratory system handles the exchange of gases, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, between the body and the external environment. The process begins with inhaling air through the nose or mouth, then travels down the trachea, through the bronchial tubes, and into the lungs. 

The respiratory system’s central player is the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavity.

When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity for the lungs to expand. This expansion allows air to enter the lungs and oxygenate the blood distributed throughout the body.

Causes of Lower Back Pain While Breathing In

Experiencing lower back pain when breathing in can be alarming and uncomfortable. This phenomenon has several potential causes, ranging from muscular issues to more serious underlying conditions.

Here are some common reasons why you might experience lower back pain while breathing:

Muscular Strain

One of the most frequent causes is a muscular strain or sprain in the lower back. Poor posture, sudden movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting can lead to muscle overuse or injury.

When you inhale, the expansion of the chest and diaphragm puts added pressure on the strained muscles, leading to pain.

Rib Injuries

Bruised or fractured ribs can cause sharp pain when breathing in. The diaphragm’s movement during inhalation can put pressure on the injured ribs, exacerbating the pain in the lower back.

Respiratory Infections

Conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis can cause referred pain in the lower back. Infections or inflammation in the lungs can irritate surrounding nerves, leading to discomfort in the back when breathing in.

Spinal Conditions

Underlying spinal issues, such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, can affect the nerves around the lower back. Inhalation may trigger pain when the diaphragm’s movement pressures these sensitive nerves.

Costochondritis

This condition involves cartilage inflammation that connects the ribs to the sternum. When inflamed, the chest’s expansion during inhalation can cause pain that radiates to the lower back.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the lining around the lungs and chest cavity can cause pleuritic pain. The pain is often felt during inhalation due to increased chest movement.

Kidney Stones

If a kidney stone is located in the lower part of the kidney, pain may radiate to the lower back when breathing in.

Inflammation or Infection in the Abdominal Organs

Conditions affecting organs like the gallbladder, appendix, or intestines can cause pain in the lower back that worsens with breathing.

Closing Note

Experiencing lower back pain on the left side when breathing in can be concerning, but understanding the potential causes is the first step toward finding relief.

See you in my next post…’til then, be healthy and live fully!

Dr. Lex Gonzales, PT, DPT has been a physical/physiotherapist for over 24 years and is an award-winning author and keynote speaker. On drlexgonzales.com he provides quality information and practical solutions you can use to improve your health and function.