When Breathing Hurts: Exploring Neck Pain on the Right

If you've ever experienced pain on the right side of your neck when taking a deep breath, you know just how uncomfortable and even alarming it can be. Breathing is one of the most basic and essential functions of the human body, and any disruption to it can be cause for concern. 

The good news is that there are many possible reasons why your neck may be hurting when you breathe, and most of them are treatable. 

Make sure you're comfy as we explore the causes of neck pain when breathing. These can range from simple muscle strains to more serious conditions like COVID-19 and cervical spine issues.

Why Does The Right Side Of My Neck Hurt When I Breathe?

The following may cause pain in the right side of your neck when breathing:

Muscle strain And Cervical Spine Issues 

Overuse or injury to the muscles in your neck can cause pain when breathing. Problems with the bones in your neck can also cause pain when breathing, as the movement of your chest can exacerbate the underlying issue. This can include conditions such as arthritis or herniated discs.

We have a more in-depth article on these causes of neck pain here. 

Pinched Nerves

When a nerve in your neck is compressed or "pinched," it can cause pain in your neck that can be exacerbated when you breathe. The movement of your chest can put pressure on the affected nerve. We have an article on neuropathic neck pain here.

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis can cause pain in your neck when breathing. We have an article on the relationship between lung infections and neck pain here.

Can Pleurisy Cause Neck Pain When Breathing?

Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest wall. This can cause chest pain that may be worsened by deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Although pleurisy typically causes pain in the chest or back, it is possible for the pain to radiate to other areas of the body, including the neck.

In some cases, the pain from pleurisy may be felt in the neck due to the way that the nerves in the chest and neck are interconnected.

Poor Breathing Habits Or Posture

Not breathing deeply enough, hunching forward, or taking shallow breaths can cause tension and strain in the muscles in your neck. This can lead to pain and discomfort when breathing. 

What Is The Connection Between Neck Pain And Breathing?

There is actually a strong connection between neck pain and breathing. This is because respiration plays an important role in our posture and in keeping our spine stable.

For us to have good posture and a stable spine, our respiratory mechanism must also be in good shape. But the same could also be said for breathing. We need good posture and a stable spine to achieve proper breathing. It goes both ways.

This is called co-dependency. If dysfunction occurs in any of these two, then there will also be dysfunction in the other.

Many studies have shown that people with chronic neck pain often have problems with their breathing.

The following may cause breathing problems:

• Weaker neck muscles 
• Changes in posture
• Limited neck movement
• Other physical and emotional issues 

One study found that people with chronic neck pain have lower lung volumes, which is a sign of breathing problems. Lung volumes refer to how much air your lungs can hold. It's like a balloon that you blow up. Some people with neck pain have smaller balloons, which can make it harder for them to breathe. This can sometimes cause more problems with breathing later on.

Another way breathing can cause neck pain is through labored breathing. 

How Does Labored Breathing Cause Neck Pain?

Normal breathing is the typical breathing pattern that occurs when you are at rest and not experiencing any distress. This is also called relaxed or quiet breathing.

It is a natural and effortless process that occurs without conscious effort. Normal breathing is typically:

• Slow
• Rhythmic
• Deep enough to provide adequate oxygenation to the body without exerting too much effort.

Labored breathing, on the other hand, is a more difficult and uncomfortable form of breathing. This occurs when there is some sort of respiratory distress or when the body is working hard to perform physical activity.

It may occur in people with lung diseases such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pneumonia

It may also occur in individuals who are experiencing physical exertion, such as running or lifting weights.

During labored breathing, the body may be taking in air through the mouth or nostrils. The breaths may be more shallow and rapid than during normal breathing. Additionally, labored breathing may require the use of accessory muscles in the neck. This may cause muscle fatigue and further contribute to breathing difficulty.

Our necks have three accessory muscles: the scalenes, the trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid muscles. 

Are Neck Muscles More Prone To Pain After Labored Breathing?

A study found muscle soreness in the front of the neck was common after doing inspiratory threshold loading (ITL) exercises. 

Inspiratory threshold loading (ITL) is a type of respiratory muscle training that involves breathing through a device that provides resistance during inhalation. The device is designed to make it more difficult to inhale. This means the muscles responsible for breathing have to work harder to generate the same amount of airflow.

According to the study, the neck muscles that help with breathing have a short range of motion and may be more likely to get damaged during the exercise. 

How Will I Know If I Have A Breathing Pattern Disorder?

Breathing pattern disorder is a condition in which a person's breathing is irregular, shallow, or faster than normal. Here are some signs that may indicate you have a breathing pattern disorder:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or exercise.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Frequent sighing or yawning to try to catch your breath.
• Chest pain or discomfort that may be mistaken for a heart condition.
• Feeling like you can't take a deep breath or feeling like you're not getting enough air.
• Tightness in the chest or feeling of pressure on the chest.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Anxiety or panic attacks.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a medical professional. They can evaluate your breathing patterns and determine if you truly have a breathing pattern disorder. 

How Will Doctors Evaluate Me For A Breathing Pattern Disorder?

Several tests can be used to evaluate a breathing pattern disorder. Here are some examples:

• Nijemegen Questionnaire

The Nijmegen Questionnaire is a questionnaire that is used as a screening tool for hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). This is a condition in which a person breathes too rapidly or deeply. This can lead to various symptoms, such as dizziness, tingling, chest pain, and anxiety.

The questionnaire consists of 16 questions that ask about a range of symptoms associated with HVS. This includes:

• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, sighing)
• Anxiety symptoms (e.g., feeling tense, worrying)
• Physical symptoms (e.g., tingling sensations, muscle tension).

This questionnaire is only a screening tool. Further testing may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

• Breathing Assessment

A breathing assessment involves observing a person's breathing pattern and rate. The therapist may ask the person to breathe in different ways, such as slowly or deeply while watching for any signs of difficulty.

Breathing assessment tests include:

• Breath Holding Test

1. During this test, they'll ask you to exhale and then hold your breath. 
2. We can usually hold our breath for 25 to 30 seconds. However, if you can only hold your breath for less than 15 seconds, it could mean you have a low tolerance for carbon dioxide.

• Breathing Hi-Low Test

1. During this test, you'll either be sitting or lying down.
2. Your healthcare provider will place their hands on your chest and stomach. 
3. They'll ask you to exhale fully and then inhale normally. 
4. They'll look for movement in specific areas, such as how your ribcage expands to the sides as you breathe. 
5. They may also look at how their hands move upward as your chest expands when you breathe.

• Breathing Wave Test 

1. You will be asked to lie down and breathe normally. 
2. Your healthcare provider will observe your spine's movement, which should look like a wave moving toward your head.
3. If certain segments of your spine move as a group, it may indicate restrictions in your chest.
   
   

• Seated Lateral Expansion Test 

1. You will be asked to sit down, and your healthcare provider will place their hands on your lower ribcage. 
2. You will then be asked to breathe normally while your healthcare provider observes the movement of your ribcage. 
3. They will look for an even (symmetrical) expansion of your ribcage on both sides.
   
   

• Sniff Test
  
  The sniff test is a medical exam that checks how your diaphragm moves when you breathe normally and when you quickly inhale through your nose. 

1. During the test, you will be asked to "sniff" (quickly breathe in through your nose). 
2. This will create live images of your diaphragm using a special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope. 
3. The images will show if there are any problems with the nerve that controls the movement of your diaphragm.
   
   

• Respiratory Induction Plethysmography (Rip) And Magnetometry 
  
  Respiratory induction plethysmography (RIP) and magnetometry are medical tests that help doctors measure how much air you breathe in and out. 
  
  To do the test, a special device is placed around your chest and another around your belly. These devices measure the changes in the size of your chest and belly when you breathe in and out. 
  
  The changes are then converted into a digital waveform showing how much air you breathe in and out.
  
  

• Lung Function Tests

Lung function tests measure how well a person's lungs are working. These can help identify any underlying lung conditions that may be contributing to abnormal breathing.

• Capnography

Capnography measures the amount of carbon dioxide in a person's exhaled breath. 

• Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in a person's blood. 

• Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray can help identify any abnormalities in the lungs or chest cavity that may be causing your abnormal breathing.

How Can I Relieve Neck Pain From Abnormal Breathing?

Here are some tips to help relieve neck pain from abnormal breathing:

Stretching

Stretching the neck muscles can help alleviate pain and tension. Gentle neck stretches can be done regularly throughout the day to help ease any tightness.

Posture correction

Maintaining good posture can help reduce tension in the neck muscles. Ensure your work environment is ergonomic, and avoid positions that strain your neck muscles.

Breathing Reeducation

So, we just found out that sometimes our breathing patterns can be a bit wonky, which can impact our health and quality of life. But fear not, because there's a thing called "breathing retraining" that can help us get things back on track!

According to one study, breathing reeducation with physical therapy can effectively treat chronic neck pain. Similarly, a study determined that respiratory muscle training reduced disability in patients with neck pain.

According to one study, breathing reeducation can also help strengthen your neck muscles. 

When you start retraining your breathing, it can feel a little uncomfortable or like you're not getting enough air. But don't worry; this is normal, and you're still getting an adequate amount of oxygen.

Pursed Lip Breathing

One technique that can be really helpful is called pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can help people manage shortness of breath. 

Here's how you do it:

1. Relax your shoulders and neck.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose. Make sure you keep your mouth closed.
3. Exhale slowly through pursed lips as if you are whistling or blowing out a candle.

This technique can help move oxygen into the lungs and carbon dioxide out. This helps keep airways open longer and relieves shortness of breath. People can repeat this exercise until their breathing becomes normal. 

Diaphragmatic Breathing

One technique often recommended by physiotherapists is a technique called breathing control. This is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. Here's how you do it:

1. Lie down on a flat surface with your knees bent and feet flat. 
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your tummy.
3. Breathe in and feel your tummy lift, and breathe out as it relaxes back down.
4. Try to avoid any movement in your upper chest and keep your mouth closed while breathing in and out through your nose silently.

You may experience “air hunger,” which is your brain's reaction to the altered way of breathing. Air hunger is a feeling where you can't get enough air into your lungs, like you're not breathing in enough air even though you're trying to. It can make you feel like you need to take deeper breaths or breathe faster to get the air you need.

Try to push back on that sensation, swallow hard, and continue practicing those small abdominal breaths. It's recommended to practice this exercise regularly, four times a day, aiming to build up to five minutes each time you do it.

Once you're comfortable with five minutes of breathing control while lying down, you can move on to the next exercise. This is the breathing control in a sitting position. Here's how you do it:

1. Find a comfortable chair with back support and place one hand on your chest and one hand on your tummy. 
2. As you breathe in, your tummy should lift, and as you breathe out, it should relax back down. 
3. Your upper chest should remain still. If you notice your chest rising and falling with each breath, try reducing the volume of your breath.
4. It's important to make sure your mouth is closed and you're breathing silently through your nose. 

Like the previous exercise, push back on the air hunger for as long as you feel comfortable. With time and practice, the feeling will disappear. 

You should aim to practice this exercise four times a day, building up to five minutes each time you do it. If you can only start with a shorter time, such as one minute or 30 seconds, that's okay.

There may be days when it's harder to achieve a normal breathing pattern, such as when you have a particularly stressful day. In that case, it's okay to go back to practicing lying down until it feels comfortable again, then progress to sitting. Regular practice of this exercise can help you achieve a normal breathing pattern in your everyday life.

So there you have it! Breathing retraining doesn't have to be complicated or scary. With a few simple exercises and techniques, we can get our breathing back on track and feel better in no time!

Exercise

Exercise can play an important role in managing breathing pattern disorders. When we exercise, our breathing rate and depth increase to meet the demand for oxygen in our muscles. 

If you have breathing pattern disorders, exercise can be challenging because your breathing may not be efficient. However, with proper guidance and training, exercise can be used to improve breathing.

One way exercise can be helpful is by strengthening the muscles involved in breathing. When these muscles are stronger, they can work more effectively and reduce the need for using accessory muscles.

In addition, exercise can help improve overall cardiovascular fitness. This can make breathing easier during daily activities. 

You may become short of breath with minimal exertion if you have a breathing pattern disorder. But with regular exercise, you can improve your tolerance for physical activity.

It's important to note that if you have abnormal breathing, exercise should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

They can provide you with a program according to your needs and capabilities. They can also guide you on the proper breathing techniques during breathing.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it's important to slow down and take things at your own pace. This will help you conserve your energy and prevent unnecessary tension.

If you feel like you're running out of breath, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Instead, take it as a signal to slow down, catch your breath, and take a moment to check in with yourself.

Don't avoid activities that make you breathe harder, as this can actually lead to a decrease in overall fitness.

If you know certain situations tend to make you breathe faster, try taking a few minutes beforehand to calm your breathing. And if there are stressors in your life that you can change or avoid, take steps to do so. This can help reduce overall stress and improve your well-being.

You can also make some changes in the following areas of your life:

Sleep

Breathing problems may also cause you to wake up feeling more tired. If you struggle with breathing during the day, it might be impacting your sleep at night.

But fear not! There are some things you can do to improve your snooze game. Start by establishing a relaxing routine before bed, like taking a bath or reading a book. You could also try relaxation techniques or breathing exercises to help calm your mind and body.

And let's talk about beverages: if you're a tea or coffee lover, consider switching to decaf or warm herbal tea instead. Avoid napping during the day, and steer clear of late-night spicy meals and alcohol.

Finally, try to keep your stress levels in check throughout the day so you're not tossing and turning with worry when it's time for bed.

Speech

Have you ever tried to talk and breathe at the same time, only to end up feeling like you're suffocating? You're not alone! Coordinating breathing and talking can be a real struggle for some people.

If you've ever had trouble projecting your voice or felt like your throat was closing up while speaking, you might be experiencing a breathing pattern disorder. These can be caused by things like speaking without pausing for breath or taking shallow breaths from your upper chest.

To improve your speech control, try using abdominal breathing and taking a deep breath out before speaking. Breathe in softly through your nose and take it slow. And don't worry; you can ask a speech therapist or your physical therapist to help. Don't let breathlessness hold you back from being a chatterbox!

Takeaway

Neck pain while breathing can be caused by multiple conditions. This can range from a muscle strain to a lung infection. However, another cause can be poor breathing habits or breathing pattern disorders. 

Breathing disorders can affect your musculoskeletal system, leading to tension and pain in the neck. Musculoskeletal conditions can also result in abnormal breathing, worsening your neck pain.

By using techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, you can reduce your neck pain and improve your overall well-being.