The diaphragm is the muscle separating the thorax and the abdomen. It aids in breathing by crating the negative pressure that is required in order to let the lungs expand and inhale oxygen. It is found under the lower ribcage and has a mushroom shape. There are times when an individual can feel pain during the breathing process. This kind of pain can be caused by a wide variety of reasons.

Symptoms of Pain in Diaphragm

• There is pain in the ribs
• There is pain in the chest
• When you get a “stitch” it may be due to this pain in the chest
• There is a band of pain in the middle of the back

Most symptoms of pain in the diaphragm are felt during sports activities. People with emphysema, bronchitis pneumonia and asthma will also experience the pain.

Diaphragm Pain – Causes

Pain in the diaphragm can be due to other clinical conditions such as:

• Anatomical defects – these can be congenital or acquired as a result of trauma, injury or surgery
• Innervation defects – such as stroke, where one side of the diaphragm is paralyzed and the other works twice as hard. Issues with innervations by the phrenic nerves which serve the diaphragm. Spinal cord problems and Myasthenia Gravis, where the disease impairs breathing capacity.

Pain in the diaphragm can also be caused by more common conditions such as:

• Injury and trauma – rupturing of the diaphragm due to injury; fracturing of the lower ribs can also cause injury to the diaphragm
• Diseases – People with neurological diseases such as ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and Poliomyelitis may experience pain in the diaphragm. Other diseases are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, gallbladder disease, splenic disease pleurisy, pancreatitis, and costochondritis.
• Pregnancy – there is a possibility that pregnancy will bring about pin in the diaphragm since as the baby grows, the uterus may push upwards and affect the diaphragm causing pain and discomfort.
• Coughing – when you have a severe cold or cough, and also those who suffer from chronic coughing, there may be pain in the diaphragm. When a person coughs, the diaphragm undergoes a lot of pressure and this will bring about the pain.
• Overeating – when you overeat all the time, you risk getting a hiatal hernia. When you get this condition, your stomach bulges through the diaphragm and brings about the pain.
• Running – It is very common for people to develop pain in the diaphragm due to running. The breathing capacity must cope with the demand for oxygen in the body. That is why warming up is required before you go running. If you simply start running without warming up, you will suffer from pain in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is forced to suddenly contract to keep up with the increased breathing pace, and this exerts a lot of pressure and hence the pain.

Treatment for Pain in Diaphragm

There are various options for treating pain in the diaphragm and they are determined by the underlying cause.

• Surgery – this is necessary for anyone who is suffering from pain in the diaphragm due to anatomical defects. The pain will definitely subside once the defect has been corrected. Most times, a phrenic nerve pacemaker will be placed in the diaphragm to act as a guide to the phrenic nerves which are required for proper breathing. Surgery can also be used to treat conditions such as hiatal hernia and other traumas.
• Medication – If someone suffers a stroke and develops pain in the diaphragm, medication used for coronary disease can be used to alleviate the pain. These drugs will ensure that the stroke does not occur and hence the pain goes away. Spinal cord issues can be treated using neurologic medication. For those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the pain in the diaphragm is managed using anti-inflammatory medication; Corticosteroids may be given when the pain is severe. If the diaphragm is ruptured, morphine is given.
• Physical therapy – when there is pain in the diaphragm brought about by immobility, difficulty getting out of bed, moving patterns, then physical therapy will be the best course.

There are other therapies that can be used to treat pain in the diaphragm, and these have been found to be quite effective. Here are some of them:

• Occupational therapy for those with neurological problems or have difficulties doing their daily activities
• Oxygen therapy for those who have myasthenia gravis
• Hormone therapy for those with a compromised thyroid gland
• Proper diet
• Eating slowly

As you can see, pain in the diaphragm can come due to several reasons. You should see a doctor immediately when you feel the pain, for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Small changes in lifestyle can bring a whole lot of relief.