Experiencing pain in your bones when sneezing can be an unsettling sensation. This common occurrence, often felt in the chest or back, can cause concern. While the discomfort can be sharp or intense, it is frequently due to causes that are not serious and typically resolve on their own.
The Powerful Mechanics of Sneezing
Sneezing is a forceful, involuntary reflex designed to expel irritants from the nasal passages. This action involves a coordinated effort from muscles throughout the body. The diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and intercostal muscles (located between the ribs) contract powerfully to generate the necessary expulsive force.
This sudden increase in intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure, combined with muscular effort, can place considerable strain on the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the chest and spinal regions. The contraction of these muscles during a sneeze can lead to temporary discomfort.
Common Explanations for Discomfort
Pain during a sneeze often relates to muscle strain and inflammation. The forceful contraction of intercostal and abdominal muscles can result in muscle strain, causing localized pain in the chest or abdomen. This pain is often sharp and may worsen with movement or deep breaths. These strains are usually temporary, resolving within days to weeks with rest.
Another common cause is costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This condition can lead to sharp, stabbing pain in the chest wall, often aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. The pain typically occurs on the left side of the breastbone, affecting multiple ribs, and can sometimes radiate to the arms and shoulders. Though alarming due to its location, costochondritis is generally not serious.
When Pain Signals More
While often benign, pain during a sneeze can sometimes indicate a more significant underlying condition. Intense muscle contractions and sudden pressure can lead to stress fractures in the ribs, especially in individuals with weakened bones. A forceful sneeze can also aggravate pre-existing spinal issues, such as a herniated disc. The sudden increase in pressure can cause a compromised disc to press on nearby nerves, leading to radiating pain down the leg or arm, sometimes referred to as sciatica.
Osteoporosis can make bones susceptible to fractures from less impactful forces, including a strong sneeze. Vertebral compression fractures, where weakened vertebrae collapse, can cause acute back pain. Nerve compression from disc problems or spinal stenosis can also cause sharp pain during sneezing due to sudden spinal movement and pressure changes.
Steps for Relief and When to Seek Medical Advice
Discomfort from sneezing often responds to simple home remedies. Warm compresses or ice packs can alleviate muscle soreness and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also provide relief. To minimize strain during a sneeze, leaning slightly forward and bracing abdominal muscles can help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the jolt to the spine and rib cage.
Medical advice is important if the pain is severe, persistent, or worsens over several days despite home care. Seek medical advice if pain is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs. Recurrent or debilitating pain that impacts daily life also warrants professional evaluation.