Breathing Difficulties and Back Pain: Seeking Solutions for Active Lifestyles

Back pain & difficulty breathing and exercising?

Dear Doctor,
Hello.
I really enjoy running, but for about the past six months to a year, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing while running.
I often feel like I can't get enough air, and I sometimes have soreness in my upper back and a feeling of tightness in my chest.
This shortness of breath also occurs when I sing, read aloud, or eat.
The situation fluctuates, but the bad days are more frequent.
The effort to breathe deeply sometimes leads to pain in my stomach or increased tightness in my chest.
Recently, this situation has reminded me of similar experiences I had as a child, during which I often needed to take deep breaths to get enough air.
At that time, I frequently suspected that I might have asthma, but those symptoms gradually disappeared over time.

In summary, I am unsure of the cause of my current symptoms and do not know which type of doctor I should consult.
I feel a bit anxious because the inability to breathe easily limits my ability to engage in many physical activities and is a significant inconvenience in my daily life.
Therefore, I have organized and speculated on some possible causes to help the doctor make a clearer assessment:
1.
Over a year ago, I was kicked while playing soccer and fell to the ground, which caused a jolt to my entire back and spine.
At that time, I did not experience shortness of breath.
(I saw an orthopedic doctor who mentioned inflammation of a certain fascia.)

2.
My mother told me that my symptoms might be due to overexertion and irregular sleep patterns (she referred to it in Taiwanese as "ㄙㄚˋ," which seems to mean shortness of breath).
However, I have been trying to adjust my schedule recently, and my mother sometimes massages my back, which provides temporary relief, but there has not been significant improvement.
3.
I suspect that my singing practice methods may be incorrect (I have been using the same technique for a long time, so I believe this is less likely to be the cause).
Doctor, thank you very much for your help.
If I could know which type of doctor to see to address these symptoms, I would be able to continue exercising and working towards my dreams, building the stamina needed for my future career in social work.

Zhenni's, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/16

Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine

Dear Janice, please visit a family medicine physician at the hospital and present the questions you have written down for discussion.
They will go through each item with you and arrange for the necessary examinations.
Since you are willing to take the time to write down these questions, I recommend that you also take the time to see a doctor for evaluation.
Worrying and writing letters alone cannot diagnose or treat your condition.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sincerely,
Hsu Li-An
Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department
950822

Reply Date: 2006/08/16

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your breathing difficulties and back pain, especially as they relate to your active lifestyle and passion for running. It's understandable that these symptoms can be quite distressing and may hinder your ability to engage in activities you enjoy. Let's break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and solutions.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Breathing Difficulties: The sensation of not being able to take a full breath, or feeling short of breath, can stem from various causes. Given your history of similar symptoms in childhood, it’s possible that you may have a predisposition to respiratory issues, such as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or asthma. However, the fact that these symptoms have resurfaced after a significant physical event (the football incident) suggests that there may be a musculoskeletal component as well.

2. Back Pain: The pain in your upper back, especially after a traumatic event, could indicate a musculoskeletal injury. The inflammation of the connective tissues around your spine (as noted by the orthopedic doctor) could lead to discomfort that might also affect your breathing. When the back muscles are tense or injured, they can restrict the movement of the rib cage, which is essential for proper breathing.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The pain you experience in your stomach after struggling to breathe could be related to anxiety or the way you are breathing. When we feel short of breath, we often engage in shallow breathing, which can lead to increased pressure in the abdominal area and discomfort.

Recommendations for Management
1. Consult a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult with a pulmonologist (lung specialist) to rule out any underlying respiratory conditions. Additionally, seeing a physical therapist or a chiropractor could help address any musculoskeletal issues related to your back pain. They can provide exercises and treatments to improve your posture and strengthen the muscles that support your spine and rib cage.

2. Breathing Techniques: Learning proper breathing techniques can significantly improve your situation. Diaphragmatic breathing, or "belly breathing," can help you take deeper breaths and reduce the feeling of breathlessness. This technique involves inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.

3. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you with exercises that strengthen your back and improve your overall posture. This can alleviate some of the pressure on your lungs and diaphragm, making it easier to breathe.

4. Gradual Return to Activity: While it’s important to stay active, consider gradually returning to running and other activities. Start with low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, which can help maintain your fitness without putting too much strain on your body.

5. Stress Management: Since anxiety can exacerbate breathing difficulties, incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can be beneficial. These practices can help reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and sufficient sleep. These factors can significantly impact your physical health and ability to manage symptoms.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are multifaceted, and addressing them will likely require a comprehensive approach involving both medical evaluation and lifestyle adjustments. By consulting with the appropriate specialists and incorporating breathing techniques and physical therapy into your routine, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms and returning to the activities you love.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance or clarification on any of these points. Your health and well-being are paramount, and I wish you the best on your journey to recovery.

Warm regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]

Similar Q&A

Morning Upper Back Pain and Breathing Issues: What to Do?

Approximately since the end of June last year (2020), I have been waking up every morning due to upper back pain. I changed my bed, but there was not much improvement. Last year, I consulted an orthopedic specialist and had X-rays taken, but no abnormalities were found. I also vi...

Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The information in your letter does not provide enough insight into the cause of your pain. It is important to consider your daily habits and posture to determine if they are related to your discomfort, so that preventive measures can be taken. Musculoskeletal symptoms cur...

Effective Exercise Strategies for Managing Back Pain and Weight

Non-smoker; irregular exercise habits with skeletal or joint issues that may worsen with activity. Other reasons for discomfort during activities include a height of 157 cm, weight of 72 kg, and BMI of 29.21 (considered dangerously overweight). Flexibility: 36 (good) ------ (the ...

Dr. Xu Zhenrong reply Physical Fitness
Dear Ms. F Person, for now, this is how I will address you. You are 157 cm tall and weigh 72 kg, which is slightly overweight. Your flexibility is good, but you often experience lower back pain. A CT scan shows mild degeneration of the lumbar spine. Therefore, it is recommended t...

Understanding Post-Exercise Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello doctor, I usually have a habit of exercising, but it seems that I have developed lower back pain due to incorrect posture while trying a new exercise. After resting for three to four days, I felt better, but when I resumed exercising, the pain returned even worse the next d...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to consider the anatomical factors related to lumbar disc herniation. Symptoms typically include radiating back pain, which may worsen with actions such as sneezing, coughing, or bending. It is advised to avoid maintaining the...

Understanding Back Pain and Breathing Difficulties in Older Adults

Hello Director Yang, I have a question to ask. My mother is about 60 years old. About a month and a half ago, she started experiencing back pain due to work-related factors, which prevents her from lifting heavy objects. Additionally, she experiences difficulty breathing when rai...

Dr. Yang Zhengfan reply Orthopedics
There are many causes of back pain, and I hope you can visit an orthopedic clinic for further examination to determine the underlying cause.