There may be a link between asthma and back pain. Managing asthma with effective treatments may help reduce back pain.

Back pain with asthma may happen because your diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe, also provides support to your spine.

Asthma can strain and weaken this muscle, making the diaphragm less able to support the spine.

Read on to learn about the connection between asthma and back pain, treatments that may help, and more.

Asthma can cause some people to feel pain in their back, as well as their shoulders and neck.

Back pain may feel:

  • sore
  • achy
  • stiff

Your pain might be worse during or immediately following an asthma attack.

There are a few reasons that someone with asthma might have back pain.

One possible reason is that your diaphragm and other muscles you use to breathe also help keep your spine stiff. People with asthma who hyperventilate or experience labored breathing can strain these muscles.

Another possible cause is frequent coughing, which can put stress on the muscles in your chest and back, leading to back pain.

You can talk with a medical professional about your asthma and back pain. They can recommend treatments for asthma, as well as ways to reduce back pain when it occurs.

Treatments for asthma

A healthcare professional will go over your current asthma treatment plan and advise on other treatments that may help manage your asthma. By managing the severity or frequency of asthma attacks, it may help reduce the causes of back pain.

Treatments for asthma can include:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids: Using inhaled corticosteroids daily can help manage your asthma and prevent serious attacks.
  • Long-acting beta-agonists: These medications can help reduce swelling and prevent nighttime asthma attacks. Some inhalers combine long-acting beta-agonists and corticosteroids.
  • Biologics: Biologics are a newer way to treat asthma that is linked to allergies. They work by reducing the reaction your immune system has to allergy triggers. You’ll receive these medications by injection from a healthcare professional.
  • Rescue medications: Your treatment plan will focus on preventing attacks, but a doctor might also prescribe different medications if an attack does occur. These might include quick-relief inhalers or oral corticosteroids.

A doctor might also recommend pulmonary rehabilitation to help you learn breathing exercises. These exercises and techniques can help you breathe easier and can help strengthen the muscles you use to breathe. This can improve support to your spine and can lead to reduced pain in your back.

Learn more about asthma medications.

Treatments for back pain

Over time, managing your asthma may help your back pain clear up. However, pain relief isn’t immediate. A healthcare professional will likely suggest or prescribe pain medication to manage the pain in your back while you work on managing your asthma.

Medications and remedies that may help alleviate back pain include:

  • over-the-counter or prescription pain relief medication
  • anti-inflammatories
  • muscle relaxants
  • cool packs or hot packs
  • physical therapy

Your doctor can advise on exercises that may help without worsening your back pain.

Learn more about treating back pain at home.

Back pain can be connected to asthma. However, other conditions can cause frequent or persistent back pain. Several lung conditions lead to back pain more often than asthma.

Some other possible causes of back pain include:

Letting your doctor know about any other symptoms you’re experiencing can help them to make an accurate diagnosis.

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In some cases, back pain may be temporary and manageable with home remedies.

However, it’s best to contact your doctor if you regularly experience back pain. They can help determine whether it’s due to your asthma or some other underlying cause.

You should also contact your doctor if you feel that your current asthma treatment is not effective. They can recommend changes to your treatment plan that may help.

Asthma may cause back pain in some people. Frequent labored breathing, coughing, and hyperventilating can strain the muscles that support your spine and lead to back pain.

You may be able to get relief from back pain by managing your asthma and taking pain medications as prescribed by a doctor.

Home remedies such as taking over-the-counter pain relief medication and applying a cool pack may also help.

Contact your doctor if back pain is frequent or severe. Your doctor can confirm the cause and advise on suitable treatments.