Coughing is a natural reflex that helps you clear your airways, but for some people, it can also trigger surprising pain and discomfort. If you’ve ever experienced back pain when coughing, you are not alone. This type of experience can be a sign of various underlying issues, from muscle strain to spinal conditions. Understanding why your back hurts when you cough and how to best address it can help you find lasting relief and even prevent further complications. Let’s explore the different types of back pain that can occur when coughing, common causes, when to seek medical attention, and how a multidisciplinary treatment plan can help you experience lasting pain relief.
Types of Back Pain When Coughing
Not all back pain triggered by coughing is the same. Depending on where you experience the pain and discomfort, different conditions could be at play. Identifying the specific location of your back pain can help determine the root cause and inform the best course of treatment.
Lower Back Pain When Coughing
Here are some examples of why you may experience lower back pain when coughing:
- Muscle strain – A forceful cough can put too much pressure on the lower back muscles, which can lead to a strain or minor tears. This is especially common for people with weak core muscles or poor posture since this can make it more difficult to support the spine adequately.
- Herniated disc – Coughing increases pressure on the joints in your spine, which can make your pain worse if a spinal disc is pressing on a nerve. Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and if one herniates, it can lead to sharp pain that intensifies with movement and even radiates into the extremities.
- Sciatica – If you have a cough with pain in the lower back that radiates down one leg, it could be a sign of sciatic nerve irritation. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down each leg, and compression can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the hips, buttocks, and legs.
- Spinal arthritis – Osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions can cause inflammation and stiffness in the lower spine, making any additional pressure from coughing particularly painful.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction – The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis, and dysfunction in this area can contribute to back pain after coughing, especially if the joint is misaligned or surrounded by inflammation.
Upper Back Pain When Coughing
Pain in the upper back during coughing could be related to:
- Poor posture – Slouching or sitting improperly can strain the thoracic spine and cause upper back pain when coughing. Long-term poor posture can end up weakening the muscles that support your spine, which makes it more likely to feel pain during sudden movements like coughing.
- Spinal conditions – Conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can contribute to upper back discomfort during a cough. Issues with your spinal column can reduce the spine’s flexibility and increase inflammation, which can be aggravated by the physical force of coughing.
- Rib dysfunction – A misaligned rib joint can also cause sharp pain when coughing, sneezing, or even taking deep breaths. The ribs connect to the spine, and any irritation in these joints can result in discomfort that worsens with movement.
- Muscle knots – Overworked or strained muscles in the upper back can develop tight, painful knots that become aggravated by sudden movements like coughing.
- Thoracic spine misalignment – If the vertebrae in the upper back are not aligned properly, it can lead to tension and pain, which may worsen when coughing or performing other physical activities.
Mid-Back Pain When Coughing
Pain in the mid-back area when coughing could indicate:
- Intercostal muscle strain – These muscles between your ribs can become irritated from persistent coughing. When these muscles are strained, any additional pressure from coughing can cause sharp or aching pain.
- Thoracic spine issues – A compressed nerve or spinal disc issue in the mid-back can cause pain when pressure increases during a cough. Conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis in the thoracic region can also contribute to mid-back pain.
- Facet joint irritation – The facet joints are small joints that help stabilize the spine. Inflammation or dysfunction in these joints can lead to mid-back pain, especially when coughing or twisting.
- Internal organ-related pain – In some cases, pain in the mid-back when coughing may be linked to conditions affecting the lungs, kidneys, or digestive system. While rare, conditions like pneumonia or kidney infections can sometimes cause referred pain in the mid-back region.
5 Common Causes of Back Pain from Coughing
Here are 5 of the most common causes of general back pain from coughing:
1. Muscle Strain
Coughing can exert significant force on your back muscles, leading to muscle fatigue or small tears, especially after prolonged coughing from a cold or flu. Over time, repetitive coughing can weaken these muscles and make them more susceptible to pain. People with existing muscle imbalances or poor posture are at a higher risk of developing back pain from frequent coughing.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
A combination of cough and back pain can be a sign of a herniated disc, especially if you experience symptoms in the lumbar or cervical spine. The increased pressure on the abdominal area from coughing can also worsen disc-related pain. A bulging or herniated disc can compress nearby nerves, leading to sharp or radiating pain that worsens with movement.
3. Nerve Irritation or Compression
Conditions like sciatica or a pinched nerve in the spine can cause sharp, shooting pain during a cough. Nerve compression can result from herniated discs, spinal misalignment, or inflammation. If a nerve is already irritated, the added pressure from coughing can intensify symptoms and make everyday movements painful.
4. Poor Posture
A weak core and improper spinal alignment can make your back more susceptible to pain during any kind of exertion, including coughing. Sitting or standing with poor posture puts too much stress on the spine, increasing the likelihood of dealing with pain when coughing. Strengthening your core muscles and practicing good posture can help reduce this risk.
5. Lung or Respiratory Issues
In rare cases, conditions like pneumonia or pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining) can cause what’s known as referred back pain when you cough. Other lung conditions, such as bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can also contribute to back pain due to persistent coughing and increased strain on the respiratory muscles.
Home Remedies and Preventative Measures
You may try these home remedies during a cold or flu to help reduce your pain and discomfort or to help prevent back pain while coughing in the future:
- Heat and Ice Therapy – Applying heat can help relax tight muscles, while ice can reduce inflammation and offer a numbing sensation, both of which are beneficial for managing back pain from coughing.
- Coughing Techniques – Supporting your lower back with a pillow or brace while coughing can help reduce the strain on muscles and your spine, reducing the likelihood of pain.
- Postural Adjustments – Practicing proper posture while sitting and standing can help reduce unnecessary stress on the spine, making it less likely for you to experience pain during a cough.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Gentle back stretches and core-strengthening exercises can help improve your flexibility and provide better support for the spine, ultimately reducing the risk of strain when coughing.
When to See a Doctor for Back Pain When Coughing
While mild discomfort may not be concerning, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening back pain after coughing that does not improve with rest
- Pain that radiates down your legs or arms, a sign of possible nerve involvement
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations in the extremities
- Difficulty walking or standing due to severe back pain
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or breathing difficulties, which could signal an underlying infection or other serious condition
How Different Doctors Can Help with Back Pain from Coughing
At AICA Orthopedics, our team of multidisciplinary doctors provides a wide range of pain relief options for conditions like back pain when coughing. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from our team of doctors who work together to create a personalized treatment plan for you:
Chiropractic Care: A chiropractor can help realign your spine, reduce nerve compression, and provide gentle, non-invasive techniques to relieve back pain from coughing. Chiropractic adjustments with a posture chiropractor can improve spinal mobility and decrease inflammation in affected areas.
Orthopedic Specialist: An orthopedic doctor can diagnose and treat structural spine issues, including herniated discs, arthritis, or fractures that may be contributing to your pain. They may recommend imaging tests such as MRIs or X-rays to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Neurologist: If nerve compression or spinal cord issues are suspected, a neurologist can evaluate nerve function and suggest targeted treatments. They may also recommend medications or nerve-blocking procedures to alleviate pain.
Physical Therapist: A physical therapist can help you strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture, and provide breathing techniques to reduce strain during coughing. Physical therapy may also include targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques to improve your overall flexibility and help to reduce pain.
Visit AICA Orthopedics for Back Pain Specialists in Marietta
Understanding the underlying cause of back pain when coughing can help guide you toward the right treatment. Whether your pain is in the upper, mid, or lower back, addressing muscle strain, posture, or spinal conditions can help. If your pain persists, visit our pain specialists at AICA Orthopedics so you can get the right treatment plan for long-term relief.