Back Pain When Breathing: Causes, Symptoms, and Physiotherapy Treatment in Burlington

Cogent Rehab Blog

Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT

May 16, 2025

Have you ever taken a deep breath and wondered, “Why does my back hurt when I breathe?”

This type of discomfort can be confusing and even alarming. Upper or mid-back pain that worsens with breathing may come from something as simple as a strained muscle, or it could signal a more serious medical condition.

Understanding back pain with breathing requires careful assessment and expertise.

At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Burlington, our physiotherapists specialize in identifying the root cause and providing safe, effective treatment to help you breathe — and move — without pain.

If your pain is musculoskeletal or posture-related, physiotherapy may be the solution. If it points to something more urgent, we’ll guide you toward the right medical care.

Physiotherapist assessing a patient experiencing back pain and difficulty breathing during an evaluation in a Burlington clinic

Call Cogent Rehab at (905) 635 4422 or book your appointment online today to start your recovery.

Request An Appointment Today

Understanding Back Pain When Breathing

Breathing is more than a lung function — it’s a full-body process involving the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, rib joints, and spinal stabilizers. If any of these structures are injured or inflamed, pain may appear with each inhale or exhale.

Why It Hurts More When Breathing

• Rib cage expansion stretches muscles and joints.

• Diaphragm contraction pulls on the lower ribs and spine.

• Postural weakness increases strain on the thoracic spine.

If tingling or radiating pain occurs in the arms, the issue may be related to cervical radiculopathy.

Causes of Upper Back Pain When Breathing

Upper back pain that worsens with breathing can stem from everyday habits, orthopedic conditions, or serious medical issues.

Category	Examples	Key Features
Everyday / Lifestyle	Poor posture, muscle strain, “text neck,” heavy backpacks, repetitive strain	Usually mild to moderate pain, worsens with movement or deep breathing, often linked to habits or overuse
Orthopedic	Herniated disc, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, spinal fractures, muscle injury, repetitive motion injuries, pregnancy	Pain may be localized or radiating, worsens with breathing or movement; often linked to structural changes in the thoracic spine
Medical / Respiratory	Pleurisy, pneumonia, arthritis, spinal deformities, obesity	Pain linked with breathing difficulty, fever, cough, or inflammation
Serious / Emergency	Pulmonary embolism, heart attack, collapsed lung, lung cancer	Sudden, severe, or persistent pain; may be accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or coughing up blood — requires urgent care

Our physiotherapists in Burlington and can help with back pain when breathing.

If your pain is posture-related, see our Ergonomic Assessment services.

If you are worried that your breathing difficulty is due to a spine conditions. Learn more about our Orthopaedic Physiotherapy in Burlington.

Real-Life Examples

Case 1: The Student Athlete

A 17-year-old basketball player developed sharp upper back pain when breathing. Assessment revealed a muscular strain worsened by poor posture. With retraining and strengthening, she returned to play pain-free within weeks.

Case 2: The Retired Teacher

A 68-year-old retired teacher struggled with mid-back pain while carrying groceries. Assessment showed osteoporosis-related compression fractures. With gentle mobility and strengthening, she regained independence and confidence.

How to Diagnose Upper Back Pain When Breathing

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. During your consultation, your physiotherapist will check:

• Breathing ability and movement tolerance

• Pain severity (rated 1–10)

• Signs of spasms or restricted mobility

If needed, further tests may include:

• X-ray – shows fractures or arthritis

• MRI/CT – identifies herniated discs or nerve compression

• Blood tests – rule out infection or systemic illness

• Bone scan – checks for cancer or osteoporosis-related fractures

• EMG (nerve studies) – detects nerve compression from disc herniation or spinal stenosis

At Cogent Rehab, we integrate physician findings with physiotherapy assessment to design personalized care.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Call 911 or go to the ER if back pain with breathing is accompanied by:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing up blood

• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Back Pain When Breathing

At Cogent Rehab, physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and easing pain. Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy to restore rib and spinal mobility

• Postural retraining for better breathing mechanics

• Strengthening and stretching for stability

• Breathing exercises to reduce tension

• Education and prevention strategies to stop recurrence

Explore our full Physiotherapy Services in Burlington.

Gentle Exercises for Back Pain When Breathing

Want to try safe, physiotherapist-approved movements?

Check out Back Pain When Breathing Exercise page for step-by-step instructions for the following Home Exercises:

1. Diaphragmatic breathing

2. Thoracic Extension Over a Towel Roll

3. Cat-Cow Stretch

4. Seated Side Stretch

5. Scapula Squeezes

Why Choose Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Centre?

At Cogent Rehab Burlington, we provide:

• Personalized care tailored to your condition

• Evidence-based treatment supported by research

• Modern facilities with advanced rehab equipment

• Community-focused approach to rebuild, promote, and enhance recovery

Learn more About Cogent Rehab and see how physiotherapy can help wit back pain when breathing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is back pain when breathing always serious?

Not always. Many cases are posture or muscle-related, but urgent causes must be ruled out.

2. Can physiotherapy help rib pain when breathing?

Yes. Physiotherapy restores rib mobility, reduces muscle tightness, and retrains breathing.

3. How long does recovery take?

Muscle strains may resolve in weeks; complex conditions can take longer.

4. Should I exercise if my back hurts when I breathe?

Avoid strenuous exercise until assessed. Gentle, guided programs are safest.

Helpful Resources

• Canadian Lung Association – Lung Health

• Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada – Signs of Heart Attack

• Arthritis Society Canada – Focused Breathing

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Back pain when breathing doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right diagnosis and a tailored physiotherapy program, many patients feel better within weeks.

Call Cogent Rehab at (905) 635 4422 or book your appointment online today to start breathing and moving with ease.

Book An Appointment Today

Sources

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2. Shi J, Liu Z, Zhou X, Jin F, Chen X, Wang X, Lv L. Effects of breathing exercises on low back pain in clinical: Asystematic review and meta-analysis. complement Ther MEd. 2023;79:102993.

3. Masroor S, Tanwar T, Aldabbas M, Iram I, Vear Z. Effect of Adding Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises to Core Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Muscle Activity, Disability, and Sleep Quality in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Control Trial. J Chiropr Med. 2023;22:275-283.

4. Li Y, Zhao Q, Zhang X, E Y, Su Y. The impact of core training combined with breathing exercises on individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Front Public Health. 2025;13:1518612.

5. Zhai H, Zhang L, Xia J, Li C. The efficiency of respiratory exercises in rehabilitation of low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Rehabil. 2024;33:189-200.