Difficulty breathing

I currently have a pain on the left hand side of my back about half way down, which stops me from being able to take deep breaths. If i breathe in too deeply it feels like a sharp stabbing pain. I have had this on and off for approximately the last 9 months. It comes maybe once every month and lasts for about 12 hours. It hurts to move around too much. I don't remember straining anything before the first time it happened although it is possible and i am a social smoker although the first time that it happened i had actually quit smoking altogether for a few months. Thanks!

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

There are a number of possibilities for this, including gas, spinal curvature, digestive issues, and distorted ribs, among others... I do recommend nixing the smoking habit for good this time.