When a cough sends a jolt of pain through your back, it is a common sensation with various underlying reasons. This article aims to provide general information about why coughing might cause back pain.
Understanding the Causes
Coughing is a forceful reflex involving complex coordination of muscles in your diaphragm, abdomen, and back. This muscular contraction creates significant pressure within the chest and abdominal cavity. If this pressure is not properly managed or if vulnerabilities exist in the spinal column or surrounding tissues, it can lead to pain.
One frequent cause is musculoskeletal strain. The abrupt force of a cough can strain back muscles or sprain ligaments. This strain can result in localized pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, or tenderness in the back. Pre-existing spinal conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can be exacerbated by the increased pressure from coughing. A herniated disc, where the cushioning material between vertebrae protrudes, can press on nearby nerves, and coughing can intensify this compression, leading to radiating pain.
Respiratory conditions can also cause back pain from coughing. Infections like bronchitis or pneumonia cause lung inflammation, which may refer pain to the back. Pleurisy, inflammation of the lung lining, can cause sharp pain in the chest that often spreads to the back, especially when breathing deeply or coughing. Persistent, forceful coughing can also lead to muscle fatigue and soreness over time.
Less commonly, back pain with coughing can signal other issues. Nerve compression can be worsened by the pressure of a cough. Rarely, conditions like kidney infections or lung cancer can present with back pain and a cough, though these usually involve additional symptoms.
Immediate Relief at Home
Several home strategies can provide immediate relief from back pain caused by coughing. Resting in comfortable positions, such as lying on your side or using pillows for support, can help reduce back strain. Bracing yourself by holding onto a stable surface or hugging a pillow when you cough can help redistribute the force, making the cough less jarring to your spine.
Applying heat or cold therapy can also alleviate discomfort. An ice pack can reduce inflammation and numb the area, while a heat pack can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen is also an option.
If the cough itself is irritating and dry, over-the-counter cough suppressants or cough drops might offer some relief. However, avoid suppressing a productive cough (one that brings up mucus) unless directed by a healthcare professional. Staying well-hydrated can also help thin mucus, making coughs more effective and potentially less forceful.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of back pain with coughing resolve with home care, some symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if the pain is severe or progressively worsening, especially if it interferes with daily activities or does not improve after a few days of home treatment. Persistent coughing lasting more than three weeks also suggests a need for professional assessment.
Specific “red flag” symptoms indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate medical attention. These include fever, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel/bladder function. Other concerning signs are new weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms, suggesting nerve compression. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood also necessitate urgent medical care. If you have pre-existing conditions like heart or lung disease, or a compromised immune system, consult a healthcare provider for any new or worsening symptoms.