Have you ever sneezed and felt a sharp, unexpected pain shoot down one or both of your arms? This seemingly peculiar occurrence can be both alarming and uncomfortable. While sneezing is a natural reflex that clears the nasal passages, the physical force exerted during a sneeze can have surprising effects on various parts of the body, including the arms.
Understanding why arm pain happens when you sneeze can shed light on underlying health issues and help you manage and prevent this discomfort with the help of a chiropractor.
What Causes Sneezes?
Sneezing is something we all experience, but have you ever noticed that sometimes after sneezing, your arms hurt or ache? You might even wonder, “Why does sneezing hurt my arms?” or feel like your body hurts when I sneeze. It turns out that sneezing involves more than just your nose – it affects your whole body!
Let’s break down what happens when you sneeze and why it might leave your arms feeling sore. Sneezing, medically known as sternutation, is a complex reflex designed to expel irritants from the nasal passages. This process involves a coordinated effort of multiple muscles and systems within the body.
- Irritant Detection: The sneeze reflex begins when irritants like dust, pollen, or allergens stimulate the nasal mucosa. Sensory nerves detect these irritants and send signals to the brainstem.
- Signal Transmission: The brainstem processes these signals and initiates the sneeze reflex by sending messages to various muscles involved in the act of sneezing.
- Inhalation: A deep inhalation occurs, filling the lungs with air to prepare for the forceful expulsion of the irritant.
- Muscle Contraction: Multiple muscles contract simultaneously, including those in the chest, diaphragm, abdominal wall, and throat. The intercostal muscles between the ribs and the muscles of the upper back also play a significant role in this contraction.
- Forceful Expulsion: The glottis (the part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them) closes momentarily, building up pressure in the lungs. When the glottis opens, the air is expelled rapidly through the nose and mouth, creating the sneeze.
The force generated during a sneeze is substantial, often propelling air and particles out of the nose at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. This forceful motion impacts the entire upper body, including the musculoskeletal system, in multiple ways:
- Thoracic Pressure: The rapid contraction of the chest and abdominal muscles increases thoracic pressure, which can affect the ribs, spine, and surrounding muscles.
- Spinal Influence: The force exerted during a sneeze can transmit through the spine, particularly if there are pre-existing conditions such as misalignments or herniated discs.
- Nerve Stimulation: The sudden movement and pressure changes can irritate nerves, especially if they are already compromised or compressed due to spinal issues or muscular tension.
Understanding the mechanics of sneezing and its impact on the body helps answer the question of why it hurts when you sneeze. The interconnectedness of the body means that a powerful sneeze can affect not just the nasal passages but also the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, leading to sensations of discomfort in places you may not expect.
Why You May Have Body Pain When Sneezing
Experiencing body pain when sneezing can be puzzling and concerning. The powerful force generated during a sneeze impacts various parts of the body, and this can sometimes lead to pain in areas such as the chest, back, and arms. Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon, particularly when it comes to arm pain.
Nerve Compression
If you ask a doctor, “Why does my arm hurt when I sneeze?” one of the most common answers you’ll get is nerve compression. The nerves that supply the arms originate from the cervical spine (neck region) and run through the shoulders and down the arms. Conditions like cervical radiculopathy, where nerves are pinched or compressed at the spine, can lead to pain radiating down the arms. When you sneeze, the sudden, forceful movement can exacerbate this compression, leading to sharp arm pain after sneezing.
Muscle Strain
Sneezing involves the contraction of several upper body muscles, including those in the chest, back, and shoulders. If these muscles are already tense or strained due to poor posture, overuse, or previous injuries, the force of a sneeze can aggravate the strain. This can result in pain that radiates to the arms and shoulders. Muscle strain from sneezing is often more pronounced if the muscles are fatigued or if the sneeze is particularly forceful.
Spinal Issues
Spinal health plays a critical role in overall body function, and any misalignments or issues within the spine can lead to widespread pain. Conditions such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease in the cervical or thoracic spine can compress nerves that run to the arms. The jarring motion of a sneeze can exacerbate these spinal issues, causing pain to shoot down the arms. Additionally, if the spine is misaligned, the sneeze can further stress the spinal column and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort.
Referred Pain
Referred pain occurs when pain is felt in a location different from the site of the problem. The interconnected nature of the body’s nervous system means that issues in the neck or upper back can manifest as pain in the arms. For example, a problem in the cervical spine can cause pain to radiate down the arm, even if the arm itself is not injured. During a sneeze, the force and movement can trigger referred pain pathways, resulting in arm pain or pain in other places. If you find yourself wondering, “Why does it hurt when I sneeze?” referred pain may be the answer.
Why Do My Arms Ache After Sneezing?
Now you might be wondering, why does sneezing hurt my arms? Here’s the deal: when you sneeze, the force travels through your whole body. Your chest, diaphragm, and even the muscles in your upper back all tighten up to help push the air out. This sudden tightening and pressure can strain muscles in your body, especially if they’re already tense. If you’ve ever had a tight back or shoulders, the force of a sneeze can make that tension worse, leading to arm pain after sneezing or feeling like your arms are aching after a sneeze.
Conditions That May Cause Arm Pain After Sneezing
Have you ever had a weird, sharp pain shoot down your arms after a sneeze? Or maybe you notice your arms aching after sneeze episodes, leaving you wondering what’s going on? If you’ve ever asked, “Why does sneezing hurt my arms?”, you’re not alone. Sneezing is a powerful reflex, and in some cases, it can trigger discomfort in unexpected places, including your arms. Let’s dive into some possible conditions that can cause your arms to hurt after sneezing and what you can do about it.
1. Pinched Nerve in the Neck
One common reason why your arms hurt after sneeze episodes is cervical radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve in the neck. When you sneeze, the sudden pressure can aggravate the nerve, sending sharp pain, tingling, or numbness down your arms. If your arms ache after sneezing frequently, this could be a sign of nerve irritation.
2. Musculoskeletal Strain
Have you ever pulled a muscle in your back, shoulders, or neck and then felt it flare up when you sneezed? That’s because sneezing is a full-body reflex that will engage many muscles at once. If you’ve strained a muscle in your upper body, you might notice that your arms hurt after a sneeze, especially if you’ve been lifting heavy objects, sitting with poor posture, or sleeping in an awkward position.
3. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc in your neck or upper back can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates down your arms. When you sneeze, the increased pressure on your spine can get worse with the nerve compression, leading to sudden, sharp pain. If you’ve noticed that your arms hurt after sneezing and you also have neck stiffness or tingling in your hands, a herniated disc might be to blame.
5. Costochondritis
Costochondritis refers to the inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum, also known as the breastbone. If you feel a sharp pain in your chest that radiates to your arms when you sneeze, this could be the reason. Since sneezing makes your chest muscles contract suddenly, it can make the pain worse.
6. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
This chronic condition is caused by tight, sensitive knots in muscles called trigger points that can refer pain to other areas. If you have active trigger points in your shoulders, back, or neck, sneezing might activate them, causing pain to shoot down your arms.
7. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. If you find that your body hurts when you sneeze, particularly in the arms, shoulders, or back, spinal stenosis could be the cause. An increase in spinal pressure during a sneeze can worsen nerve compression caused by spinal stenosis, leading to arm pain and discomfort.
8. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib get compressed. If you’re experiencing arms aching after a sneeze, it could be due to TOS, as sneezing can briefly increase pressure in this area. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and hands.
When to See a Doctor for Arm Pain After Sneezing
If your arms ache after sneezing occasionally, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if the pain is frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness, it’s time to see a doctor. Sneezing might seem like a simple, everyday action, but if you’re experiencing arm pain after sneezing, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Whether it’s a pinched nerve, a muscle strain, or another condition, understanding the cause can help you take the right steps toward relief. If you keep wondering, “Why does my body ache when I sneeze?” don’t ignore it—talk to a healthcare professional to find out what’s really going on! At AICA Orthopedics, our team of doctors will recommend a combination of treatment options, including the following:
Heat or Cold Therapy
Using heat and cold therapy are two simple yet effective ways to manage pain and discomfort in a variety of situations. Cold therapy, like using an ice pack, can reduce inflammation and numb the affected area, so you can get quick relief after sneezing. Heat therapy, like using heating pads, helps relax tight muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce stiffness. Both these approaches can be easily done at home, and your doctor may suggest alternating between heat and cold depending on your specific symptoms. This approach can help manage strong pain and promote healing by addressing both muscle tension and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
If you’re dealing with arm pain after sneezing, one type of treatment your doctor may recommend is physical therapy. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back, which are often affected by the force of sneezing. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to improve your posture, flexibility, and muscle strength. This can help reduce the likelihood of muscle strain and reduce the discomfort caused by sneezing or other activities that put stress on your body. Over time, physical therapy can not only help manage pain but also prevent future injuries or discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
In situations where sneezing leads to inflammation and pain in the muscles or joints, your doctor may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications. These drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, help reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. They work by blocking certain chemicals in your body that promote inflammation so that your muscles and tissues have a chance to heal. Anti-inflammatory medications can be useful for managing the pain caused by a sudden sneeze and in conjunction with other treatment techniques.
Chiropractic Care
For some people, muscle tension or nerve compression is the main culprit behind arm pain after sneezing. Chiropractic care can provide relief by improving spinal alignment and targeting specific areas of tension. Chiropractors use non-invasive, hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and alleviate pressure on the nerves, which can reduce pain that travels to the arms. Your chiropractor can also use therapeutic massage to help relax tight muscles and improve circulation. Chiropractic care can be used in combination with other approaches to address pain and prevent it from recurring.
Preventing Arm Pain After Sneezing
Preventing arm pain after sneezing involves addressing underlying issues, maintaining good musculoskeletal health, and employing strategies to minimize strain during a sneeze. Additionally, if you’ve asked, “Why does my body hurt when I sneeze?” some of these answers will help you as well! Here are some effective measures to help prevent this discomfort:
Maintain Good Posture
Maintaining proper posture is essential for spinal health and can reduce the risk of nerve compression and muscle strain. Ensure that your back is straight, your shoulders are back, and your feet are flat on the floor when sitting or standing. Avoid slouching or leaning forward for extended periods.
You can also make sure your workstation is ergonomically designed to support good posture. Use a chair that supports your lower back, and position your computer screen at eye level to avoid straining your neck.
Practice Safe Sneezing Techniques
The way you sneeze can impact the amount of strain placed on your body. When you feel a sneeze coming, try to support your head and neck with your hands to reduce the jarring motion. You can also gently press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to help suppress the force of the sneeze.
Try to moderate the force of your sneeze by allowing it to be less explosive. Sneezing into your elbow rather than your hands can help disperse some of the force.
Address Underlying Health Issues
If you have a condition that predisposes you to body pain when sneezing, addressing it can help prevent future discomfort. Seek chiropractic treatment for conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, or herniated discs.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can reduce the risk of experiencing arm pain when sneezing and promote overall musculoskeletal health. If you continue to experience discomfort, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Avoid Painful Sneezes with AICA Marietta
Experiencing arm pain when sneezing can be an unsettling and painful experience, often signaling underlying health issues that need attention. At AICA Marietta, our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to diagnosing and treating the root causes of your pain.
Whether it’s cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, or another condition, our chiropractors and orthopedic doctors provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered approach, we ensure you receive the highest quality care to achieve lasting relief and improved health. Contact us today to get started!