Why Do I Get Back Pain When Coughing?

Back pain when coughing can be a surprisingly common and uncomfortable issue for many people. Whether you notice a sudden, sharp pain or a slowly developing, dull ache, understanding why this happens can be the key to finding lasting relief. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this phenomenon, explore the connection between back pain and coughing, and learn about practical tips for managing and treating back pain that can come with coughing.

What Causes Coughing?

Before we explore the relationship between coughing and back pain, it’s important to understand why we cough in the first place. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. A cough can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

• Respiratory infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia
• Allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, etc.
• Environmental irritants such as smoke or pollution
• Chronic conditions like asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and triggering a cough.

Understanding the underlying cause of your cough is important because it directly impacts how you manage and treat both the cough and any associated back pain.

How Do Back Pain and Coughing Relate?

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my back hurt when I cough?” you’re not alone. Coughing puts a lot of pressure on your chest, abdominal muscles, and back. The relationship between coughing and back pain will often come from the physical strain on these areas during coughing episodes. When you cough forcefully or repeatedly, you may experience discomfort or even sharp pain in these areas. These muscle groups work together to generate the force needed to expel air and clear your airways.

5 Common Causes of a Coughing Back Ache

1. Muscle Strain: The force of a strong cough can strain the muscles in your back, especially if they are already tight or overworked. This is a common cause of lower back pain when coughing.
2. Poor Posture: If you frequently slouch, your back muscles may be weakened, which can actually increase your risk of a coughing backache.
3. Herniated Disc: This condition occurs when a spinal disc between the vertebrae slips out of place, which can aggravate or compress nearby nerves. This can also lead to sharp pain in the back when coughing or sneezing.
4. Spinal Issues: Other spinal conditions like sciatica, arthritis, or spinal stenosis can make your back more sensitive to the movements and pressure changes caused by coughing.
5. Previous Back Issues: If you have a pre-existing back problem, like degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, coughing can exacerbate these conditions and may even lead to increased pain and other symptoms.

How to Manage Back Pain When You Have a Cough

Managing back pain associated with coughing involves addressing both the cough itself and the resulting strain on your back muscles and spine. Here are some strategies to help you manage your back pain from coughing:

• Treat the Underlying Cause: If your cough is caused by a respiratory infection or allergies, it’s important to get treatment for that underlying cause to fully eradicate the cough. For example, if your cough is caused by a cold or bronchitis, medications like decongestants and cough suppressants may help.
• Support Your Spine: Use pillows or cushions to support your back, practice good posture when sitting or lying down, and try to keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed to help reduce any upper back pain when coughing. It’s important to avoid slouching because this can actually increase pressure on your back muscles. If you are dealing with lower back pain when coughing, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help align your spine and reduce strain.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus, making it easier to cough effectively and ultimately reducing the strain on your muscles. Drinking warm fluids like tea or broth can also soothe your throat and help clear mucus more gently.
• Avoid Irritants: When possible, avoid exposure to smoke, pollutants, or other environmental factors that can trigger or worsen your cough. Consider using an air purifier in the home and keep your living space clean to reduce dust, allergens, and other household irritants.
• Gentle Exercise: Engage in light stretching or low-impact exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen your muscles, which can support your back during coughing episodes. Gentle walking can also help keep your body active without straining your back.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying a heat pack to your back can help relax tense muscles and improve blood flow. You can also use cold packs to reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain.

When to See a Doctor about Back Pain When Coughing

Occasional back pain when coughing will often go away on its own, especially when it’s caused by minor strains or temporary inflammation in the area. However, certain situations will require a trip to the doctor to rule out underlying issues or to address more serious conditions. Here are some examples of when to talk to your Conyers doctor about “back pain when I cough”:

• Persistent Pain: If your back pain gets worse over time or doesn’t respond well to rest and at-home care, it may be a sign of a more significant issue.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Symptoms like fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or neurological changes, including numbness, tingling, or weakness, can point to conditions like infections, nerve impingement, or even cardiovascular issues.
• History of Back Problems: People with a history of spinal issues, previous injuries, or nerve-related conditions are at a higher risk of developing complications and should seek medical advice if new symptoms emerge.

When Coughing Causes Sharp Pain in the Back

Experiencing coughing and sharp pain in the back can be alarming, especially if it’s sudden or intense. Sharp pain often points to more specific issues, such as:

• Nerve Compression: This can happen because of a spinal misalignment or other spinal condition, leading to severe pain and discomfort when you cough or sneeze.
• Rib Inflammation: In some cases, the area around the joints that connect your ribs to your spine may become inflamed, leading to a sharp pain in the back when coughing.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Other health conditions like pneumonia or kidney problems may also cause sharp back pain during coughing.

If you frequently think, “My back hurts when I cough, and it’s a sharp, stabbing pain,” it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out serious conditions.

Home Remedies for Back Pain with Coughing

For mild to moderate back pain triggered by coughing, there are a variety of home remedies that can provide you with lasting relief and encourage your body to heal. Addressing these symptoms as soon as possible can help identify and treat serious conditions before they get worse. Consider these home remedies to help reduce your coughing and back pain:

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Alternating between heat and cold packs can help. Cold packs are useful for reducing inflammation in the early stages, while a heating pad can help soothe sore muscles and increase blood flow to the area.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can ease your pain and reduce swelling.
• Rest and Relaxation: Giving your back time to heal by resting is crucial. You should also avoid activities that could strain your back further, like heavy lifting or prolonged bending or slouching.
• Elevating Your Legs: While lying down, placing a pillow under your knees or elevating your legs can relieve pressure on your lower back, helping to relieve discomfort.

These remedies can often alleviate mild symptoms of back pain when coughing and prevent the pain from worsening. However, if the pain persists or gets worse, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Treatment Options for Pain in Back When Coughing

In cases where home remedies aren’t enough to manage pain in the lower back when coughing, your doctor may recommend additional treatments.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to improve the alignment of your spine, which can help relieve a range of issues like nerve compression and reduce tension in the muscles that surround the affected area. These chiropractic adjustments not only target the root cause of your pain but also help improve overall spinal health. Regular chiropractic sessions can also be helpful if you deal with frequent coughing episodes that may have caused or exacerbated spinal misalignment.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to strengthen your back muscles, improve your flexibility, and improve posture. This is especially important for people with chronic back pain or a recent injury since these exercises can help rebuild stability while also reducing the strain caused by coughing. Physical therapy sessions often include a combination of stretches, strength-building exercises, and posture training. Your physical therapist may also teach you specific techniques to minimize the impact of coughing on your back, like how to properly engage your core muscles for better support. Over time, this proactive approach can help prevent future episodes of pain.

Medications

For severe or persistent pain, your doctor might recommend medications to manage your symptoms. Muscle relaxants can be particularly effective for relieving spasms, while prescription pain relievers can address more intense discomfort. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be necessary to reduce inflammation around a compressed nerve or injured area. However, these medications should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, as they typically address symptoms rather than the underlying cause. Always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your doctor to ensure it’s the best choice for your situation.

Combining these various treatment options with lifestyle adjustments can provide you with a greater chance for long-lasting relief and help improve your quality of life.

3 Ways to Prevent Back Pain from Coughing

To avoid experiencing lower back pain when coughing, check out these preventive measures:

1. Practice Good Posture: Standing and sitting with a properly aligned spine can reduce strain on your back muscles and spine.
2. Exercise Regularly: Strengthening your back and core muscles can make them more resilient to the pressure of coughing.
3. Stay Hydrated: Preventing cough-inducing conditions like dry throat or respiratory infections can minimize the risk of developing back pain.

By addressing the root cause of your cough and improving your back health, you can reduce the likelihood of saying, “Why does my back hurt when I cough?” Back pain caused by coughing can range from mild discomfort to sharp, persistent pain. Understanding the causes, exploring remedies, and taking preventive steps can help you manage your symptoms and get back to feeling your best. If your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about personalized treatment options.

AICA Conyers for Comprehensive Care

Experiencing back pain when coughing can be uncomfortable, but understanding its causes and taking proactive steps can help manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively. By addressing the underlying cause of your cough, practicing good self-care, and seeing your Conyers back pain specialist at AICA Orthopedics, you can reduce the impact of cough-related back pain on your daily life. Remember, each person’s experience with back pain when coughing is different, which is why personalized care and attention to your specific symptoms are key to finding relief and promoting overall well-being. Visit AICA Orthopedics in Conyers for personalized treatment and comprehensive care for back pain and many other health concerns.