Medically reviewed by Susan Russell, MD Back pain when breathing has several causes, ranging from a pulled muscle or pleurisy ...

Even poor posture or sitting at your desk for too long can cause an intercostal muscle strain. Poor stability and a weak core can put added pressure on the ribs and lead to pain, Vasudevan explains.

Even poor posture or sitting at your desk for too long can cause an intercostal muscle strain. Poor stability and a weak core can put added pressure on the ribs and lead to pain, Vasudevan explains.