Can Asthma Cause Back Pain?

 

I was scrolling online and read a comment from someone who had just started using asthma inhalers, and she was complaining about having back pain.

I had never heard of an inhaler causing back pain, but I'm not a doctor or pharmacist, so I could have missed it. The inserts that come with inhalers are very long - and I don't read the whole thing.  

When I researched back pain with asthma, I found a couple of causes.  

Causes of back pain when you have asthma  

Since I always share reader friendly websites (instead of scientific articles), the first website, GoodRX , is what I use to look up various medicines, side effects - and find coupons! 

GoodRX did list back pain as a possible side effect of one inhaler. Of course, there are many possible side effects for every medicine, and manufacturers have to list each one - just in case someone experiences a side effect.  

Another user friendly website I share with patients is Healthline. They explain that the diaphragm (the muscle below the lungs that helps you breath) can cause back pain. 

How? Well, it also supports your spine and Healthline says:

 

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

 

Some people with asthma can feel pain in their shoulders, neck, and back. It might get worse during an asthma attack. 

Possible reasons are:

• The diaphragm (and other muscles) helps keep your spine upright, and it also helps you breathe

• If you have labored breathing (or hyperventilate), you can strain those muscles

• Frequent coughing can stress your muscles in your back and chest - causing pain  

When you're sick (I'm looking at you COVID...) or you have an asthma attack, it could strain the diaphragm and other muscles and cause back pain.

How can you tell if your asthma is okay (well controlled)?  

When I help patients, they often say their asthma is fine (well controlled), when it is in fact NOT fine! There is a quick online survey that asks what symptoms you have. 

The "Asthma Control Test" has a version for children, and one for adults. 

It will give you a score to let you know if your asthma is controlled or not. 

ALWAYS go to your doctor to ask him/her for help with your asthma. You can take a screenshot of your Asthma Control Test score with you and ask your doctor what you should do next. 

Lungs can be tricky, and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan. And if you don't like your inhaler, and you're not going to use it, let your doctor know. 

There are a lot of different inhalers on the market, and you may find one you like better. 

Good luck out there friends, and may your lungs behave themselves! 

Hugs, 

Andrea