Having back Pain and trouble breathing can be particularly concerning, especially if you’re unsure about the cause. The back pain coupled with shortness of breath undoubtedly puts a person under a lot of discomforts. Hence, the persistent problem must go through some diagnosis in the MRI test as well as consulting to the doctor. The reason for back pain can be many. Let us find out each of them which compound the problem of back pain and shortness of breath.

1. Intercostal muscle strain- Few people are aware of the intercostals muscles, a muscle formation which runs between adjacent ribs and play an important role in expanding and contracting the rib cage when breathing. If one or more of these muscles are strained along the back, the symptoms can range from a mild tenderness or stiffness to intense, sharp back pain. Thus can also result in breathing difficulties due to expansion and contraction of rib cage.

 An intercostal Muscle can be strained in various ways, such as:

• Overuse/overexertion- A common reason for any muscle group to get a strain is overuse of the same. The intercostal muscle is no different. Some activities rowing can cause a muscle to overstretch and develop small tears. A sudden or awkward movement can also strain a muscle.
• Direct trauma- This refers to the direct impact on the ribs due to collision or a fall. The injury or the direct trauma directly impacts the ribs and connecting muscles could injure one or more of the intercostal muscles.

An Intercostal Muscle strain typically starts to ease within a few days. The average time for fully recovery takes 6 to 8 weeks. The initial level of pain which may be severe can be relieved with ice, heat packs, or over-the-counter pain medications

2. Severe kyphosis- A healthy thoracic spine (upper back) is slightly curved forward, which is called a kyphotic curve or kyphosis. However, if the thoracic spine is curved at least 50 degrees, it is considered hyperkyphosis, also commonly referred to as kyphosis

Besides the aforementioned major reasons for back pain, the MRI scan center in Delhi has also listed reasons that can cause shortness of breath due to severe back pain. These are:

• Scoliosis- The abnormal sideways twisting and rotation of the spine, called scoliosis. Though it is rare but this abnormal movement can become severe enough to affect breathing. Sometimes both scoliosis and kyphosis are present together.
• Allergic reactions- Medicines are very likely to put people at risk of developing an allergic reaction to some medications for back pain, such as muscle relaxants. Several troubling signs and symptom could indicate an allergic reaction to back pain medication, such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling in the throat (or arms or legs), etc.

Every unexplainable pain that goes to the excruciating levels must be referred to the physicians who can guide in the subsequent process of diagnosis. A well plan and routine therapy can undoubtedly ease the problem of shortness of breath due to back pain.