Is my shortness of breath coming from my middle back?

Shortness of breath can be a frightening and uncomfortable sensation, leaving many individuals searching for answers about its potential causes. While respiratory and cardiovascular issues are often the first suspects, it's essential to consider other possibilities, including musculoskeletal factors like the middle back. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between middle back issues and shortness of breath and how chiropractic care may address these concerns.

The middle back, or thoracic spine, consists of twelve vertebrae that connect the upper back (cervical spine) to the lower back (lumbar spine). This region plays a crucial role in providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord. Any misalignment or dysfunction in the thoracic spine can potentially affect various bodily functions, including breathing.

The Connection between Middle Back and Breathing

The middle back is intimately connected to the ribcage, as each thoracic vertebra corresponds to a pair of ribs. When these vertebrae become misaligned or restricted in movement, it can impact the ribs' ability to expand and contract during breathing. This restriction may lead to a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest and difficulty taking deep breaths.

Several factors can contribute to middle back problems, which, in turn, may lead to shortness of breath:

• Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture over time can cause misalignments in the thoracic spine, leading to stiffness and discomfort that affect your breathing.
• Muscular Tension: Muscle imbalances and tension in the middle back can restrict movement and hinder the ribcage's expansion during breathing.
• Spinal Misalignments: Subluxations or misalignments of thoracic vertebrae can irritate nearby nerves and interfere with the normal functioning of the respiratory muscles.
• Injury or Trauma: A sudden injury or trauma to the middle back can cause structural damage that affects both the spine and breathing.
• Genetic Diseases: Such as Scheumann's Disease
• Other factors can be tiredness, viruses or allergies

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive approach that focuses on addressing musculoskeletal issues, including those in the middle back. Our chiropractors at Joondalup Lakeside Chiropractic are trained to assess spinal health and perform adjustments to realign the spine and restore proper function.

When it comes to shortness of breath related to middle back issues, chiropractic care may offer several benefits:

• Spinal Adjustments: Our chiropractors can identify and correct misalignments in the thoracic spine, reducing tension and restoring optimal spinal function.
• Postural Education: Chiropractors can educate patients on proper posture and provide exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the middle back, assisting to prevent future issues.
• Pain Relief: Chiropractic care may alleviate pain and discomfort in the middle back, making it easier to breathe deeply and comfortably.
• Improved Ribcage Mobility: Chiropractic adjustments may enhance ribcage mobility, allowing for more efficient breathing.

Shortness of breath is a distressing symptom that may result from various underlying causes, including middle back issues. If you are experiencing persistent shortness of breath and suspect it may be related to your middle back, consulting with a chiropractor is a wise step. Our chiropractors in Lakeside Chiropractic offers a holistic approach to address musculoskeletal concerns, promoting overall health and well-being while potentially providing relief from breathing difficulties. Don't hesitate to seek professional help to determine the cause of your shortness of breath and explore chiropractic solutions for a healthier, more comfortable life.

Call 9300 0095 or go online to our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book an appointment with one of our Chiropractors.