The Link Between Spine Pain & Shortness Of Breath

Category: Spine Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi

Spine Pain & Shortness of Breath

Spine pain comes in many forms, as do the array of symptoms it can present. However, one symptom that sometimes accompanies spine pain that should be taken seriously is shortness of breath. In this blog, we explain why you might be experiencing shortness of breath due to a spine injury, and what you should do if you’re having problems breathing after hurting your spine.

Shortness of Breath and Back Pain

Some spine ailments can leave a person feeling like they are unable to catch their breath, only able to breath with quick, short breaths or constantly feeling like you’ve just finished exercising and are out of breath. Sometimes this feeling of being unable to take a full breath can occur as a result of a pulled spinal muscle, while other times it can be the result of a more complicated spinal condition like scoliosis or kyphosis.

If you’re having trouble taking full breaths and you’re experiencing back pain, take a second to perform a self assessment. If you can pinpoint a reason as to why your back is hurting and you’re having trouble breathing, like you just got done playing basketball at the gym or you just ran a half marathon, you’re probably safe to let the injury heal with rest, physical therapy and monitoring. However, if you can’t account for a reason as to why either symptom is presenting itself, set up a consultation with a doctor or head into an emergency department. It’s also important to be able to differentiate between the symptoms of shortness of breath related to a spine injury and shortness of breath due to a heart attack. If you believe you’re suffering a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.

Treating Spine Pain and Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a serious condition that can lead to other health problems like loss of consciousness or anxiety, so it’s imperative that you work to get the issue under control, either with conservative treatment or with the assistance of a doctor.

If you seek out a medical professional, the first thing they’ll do is conduct a physical examine to attempt and diagnose your condition. They may also conduct subsequent imaging tests to determine the root cause. If your shortness of breath is being caused by something simple like a pulled muscle or a muscle spasm, your doctor will likely prescribe rest, physical therapy, breathing exercises and medications to reduce spasms. The vast majority of breathing issues caused by physical injuries can be treated with simple home care measures. However, if your breathing issues are caused by a disc fracture or pinched nerve, surgery may be necessary.

Along a similar vein, if an underlying condition like scoliosis or kyphosis is what’s causing your breathing issues, a more hands-on treatment play will be necessary. These conditions are caused by an abnormal curvature of the spine, and depending on the degree of curvature, they are either treated with physical therapy and bracing or with surgery. Since the condition is jeopardizing your breathing, which is a critical function, treatment will be focused on restoring breathing function and ensuring it doesn’t get worse.

If you are experiencing shortness of breath and spine pain, don’t delay. Contact Dr. Sinicropi today.

Why A Spine Specialist Is Best Suited To Treat Your Back Pain

Odds are you have a general practitioner doctor that you trust when it comes to caring for your overall health. You visit them for your yearly physical, when the flu strikes, and when you suffer a minor injury. General practitioners are widely versed in an immense range of medical conditions, but they may not be the optimal option if you are dealing with problematic spine pain. Today, we explain why a spinal expert is a better option for your back pain than your general practitioner.

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