Mid Back Pain when Breathing

A few days ago, I noticed that I couldn't lie comfortably on my side when falling asleep because there was some pain in my mid back, on the left side by the spine, that I felt more when I was inhaling.  I could feel it with my hand, as if it was a very large muscle knot or something (about 3-5 inches along the spine).  I had my boyfriend rub it for a while and this felt good, but did not ease the symptoms permanantly.  Yesterday I did some very light yoga and now I feel it on both sides. It increases when i bend forward or twist side to side. I have bad allergies and some environment-induced athsma so it's possible that it is a lung related issue, but feels more musculatory. I also sit at a desk all day.  I am 23 years old.  What could this be and how can I ease the symptoms?

[mike1105]

UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME---weak back muscles go into spasm--tight SCMs/pecs/LEv scapulae/upper traps. you ge this problem from hunching at a desk/rounded posture/closed in chest-----research it on the net-- you can fix it with proper stretching and exercise.

[felixb]

It sounds like your muscles are in spasm due to something being out of alignment, possibly a rib, or a thoracic vertebra.

Manage it conservatively with cold packs on the muscle concerned, gentle massage, stretches.

A physio / osteopath / chiropractor may be able to help.

If the pain persists then see your Dr to eliminate other causes.