Why You May Experience Back Pain When Coughing

Understanding Back Pain and Coughing

Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. When you cough, your abdominal muscles contract, which can increase pressure on your spine and surrounding muscles. This additional strain can aggravate existing back pain or highlight the root cause of problems you might not have noticed before.

Causes of Back Pain When Coughing

Several factors can contribute to back pain or make pain worse when you cough, including:

• Muscle Strain: Coughing intensely or frequently can lead to a pulled muscle in the back, leading to pain and muscle spasms.
• Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the cushioning disc between your vertebrae protrudes, irritating nearby spinal nerves and causing pain that can worsen with coughing. Sciatic nerve compression is one example of this.
• Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of spaces within your spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerve roots. Coughing can intensify the pressure caused by spinal stenosis and lead to increased discomfort.
• Other Conditions: In rare cases, pain caused by serious health issues may radiate through the spinal column. Conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, lung cancer, or even infections can cause back pain that is aggravated by coughing.

Managing and Preventing Back Pain at Home

There are several strategies you can employ at home to manage and prevent back pain associated with coughing. These include the following:

• Practice Good Posture: Maintaining proper posture not only protects your spine but also helps reduce muscle tension. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up and avoid slouching.
• Strengthen Your Core: Exercises that strengthen your core muscles can provide spinal support, reducing the risk of pain.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity can keep your back muscles strong and flexible, preventing stiffness and muscle tension. Gentle movement ensures upper body movements are controlled and won’t aggravate the affected area.
• Use Proper Coughing Techniques: Try not to hunch over when you cough. Maintaining a natural arch will be more comfortable. A lumbar support can provide additional help.
• Cold and Heat Therapy: Use heat packs to relax tense muscles. Cold therapy using ice packs helps reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, prescription medications may be required for severe pain. Additionally, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used to manage chronic back pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While home remedies can be effective, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. You should see a doctor if:

• The pain persists for more than a few weeks.
• The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with home treatments.
• You experience additional symptoms of severe nerve compression, like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in your legs.
• You have a history of osteoporosis, arthritis, or other chronic conditions.
• The pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, muscle spasms, or fever.
• Symptoms such as loss of bowel control or increasing pain signal the need for a proper diagnosis.

At OrthoNeuro, our team of experts is equipped to diagnose and treat various causes of back pain, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Treating Both Your Back and Your Cough

Effective treatment involves addressing both the back pain and the cough. You can help a chronic cough by staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and avoiding irritants like smoke. Ensuring your overall health and well-being can significantly reduce the occurrence and impact of back pain when you cough.

At OrthoNeuro, we treat back pain using a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, interventional pain management specialists, and physical therapists. Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual, addressing the underlying cause of back pain.

How Do I Know If My Back Pain is Lung-Related?

Back pain that worsens with coughing may sometimes signal an issue that extends beyond the spine, especially if the discomfort originates in the upper back or chest area. It’s important to understand when this type of pain may be linked to your lungs or respiratory system, rather than a musculoskeletal issue.

Here are some signs that your back pain may be lung-related:

• Persistent Coughing: A chronic or worsening cough that accompanies your back pain can suggest a respiratory condition. Infections or inflammation in the lungs can irritate nearby nerves and tissues, contributing to discomfort in the affected area.
• Pain When Breathing Deeply: If taking a deep breath causes a sharp or stabbing pain in your upper back, it may point to lung involvement rather than a typical pulled muscle or back injury.
• Fever or Chills: When back pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or fatigue, a lung infection such as pneumonia could be the underlying cause.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: If your pain is associated with weight loss, fatigue, or a history of smoking, it’s crucial to seek a proper diagnosis to rule out serious conditions like lung cancer.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, particularly when combined with back pain, may indicate that the lungs are contributing to your symptoms.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t ignore them. A healthcare provider can conduct imaging studies and other tests to determine whether your pain is spinal disc or lung-related. Getting a proper diagnosis early ensures you receive the right treatment options and can prevent complications.

Schedule an Appointment Today

By understanding the connection between coughing and back pain, you can take proactive steps to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Don’t let back pain control your life. Schedule an appointment with us today at OrthoNeuro to explore personalized treatment options, including physical therapy or even surgical intervention if needed. We have multiple locations throughout Columbus, OH, for your convenience. 

Medically reviewed by Braden J. Passias, DO