“Can rounded shoulders cause breathing problems?”

Yes it’s possible, try sitting up with your shoulders back

Rounding of the shoulders is likely a sign of a spinal problem in your neck from computer and / or phone use, upper back problems or both. The nerves that connect to your spinal cord have to go through holes created by two spinal bones. Pressure on those nerves from decreased normal motion can cause abnormal muscle tension and spasm as well as decreased electrical messaging to vital organs like heart and lungs. In my over 30 years of practice I have had 100's of patients regain normal breathing and lung capacity from proper spinal health care. I suggest seeking out comprehensive spinal health care from a competent chiropractic office that will take spinal X-ray as part of the evaluation process. In the mean time, be more posture conscience. Sit tall, stand tall, stretch the muscles of your chest and shoulders and be aware to let your shoulders hang under your ears.

It's probably not the rounded shoulders that causes the breathing problems. It's probably the overall posture that also causes your shoulders to round that may be causing breathing problems. Go get checked out by a doctor. There are many other more serious things that cause breathing problems.

Dr. Jonathan Donath, DC, MS

If you are having breathing problems, I would be sure to rule out anything serious with your PCP. If you have ruled out everything serious, it sounds like you might have a couple ribs out of alignment.

Dr. Kortni

Improved posture can be helpful to correct breathing issues as rounded shoulders can inhibit full movement of the ribs and diaphragm. A history and exam is necessary to determine the cause of the breathing issue. Many times spinal adjustments may be helpful for this issue and enable one to improve their upright posture.

Dr. Jane Bye

It makes it slightly more difficult to get a full inspiration of air.

Yes, poor posture can affect how you breathe.