Question
This is the first time I ever experience this.  During sleep, I woke up experiencing lower back pain on the left side when I inhale.  What would cause this to happen?

Answer
Lynn,

This very simply could be a pleural adhesion, where the linings of your lungs and thoracic cavity stick together.  If so, a few good deep breaths should alleviate it.  Otherwise, deep breathing moves alot of structures around by virtue of your diaphragm being attached to lower ribs and being in indirect contact with the spine.  So when you have a glitch or irritated deep structure in your back, the movement caused by the tenting up and down of your diaphragm provokes the pain.   This should alleviate on its own unless you primarily have a back problem and the breathing is just a secondary symptom.  If it doesn't go away in a day or two, see your chiropractor.

'Regards,

Dr.G