Lower back pain when coughing is a common, uncomfortable symptom. A cough involves a sudden, forceful contraction of torso muscles, including the diaphragm, core, and back. This movement places considerable strain on spinal structures, potentially causing discomfort or worsening existing conditions.
Common Reasons for Lower Back Pain When Coughing
Muscle strain or sprain is a frequent cause. The sudden, intense contraction of abdominal and back muscles can overstretch or tear lower back muscles or ligaments. This results in localized pain, stiffness, or muscle spasms. Repetitive coughing, such as during an illness, can further fatigue these muscles, making them more susceptible to strain.
Spinal disc issues, like a herniated or bulging disc, are another common cause. Discs cushion vertebrae in the spine. Coughing significantly increases intra-abdominal and spinal pressure. This pressure can cause a compromised disc to bulge or push its inner material outward, potentially pressing on nearby spinal nerves.
Sciatica, pain radiating down the leg, can also be exacerbated by coughing. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, extending from the lower back, becomes irritated or compressed. This often stems from a disc issue or other lower spine compression. Increased spinal pressure during a cough can further compress irritated nerve roots, intensifying the sharp, burning, or tingling pain.
Arthritis, such as facet joint arthritis or degenerative disc disease, also contributes. These involve wear and tear of spinal joints or discs over time. Degenerative changes make the spine less stable and more sensitive to sudden forces. The jarring motion and pressure from a cough can stress these compromised areas, increasing pain.
Less Frequent Causes to Consider
Vertebral compression fractures, a collapse of spinal bones, can be aggravated by a cough’s sudden jolt. They often occur in weakened bones, like those with osteoporosis, where minor stresses can cause a fracture. The pain is typically sharp, localized, and worsens with movement.
Kidney issues, such as stones or infections, can cause lower back pain. While not directly caused by coughing, the jarring motion or increased abdominal pressure might make underlying kidney pain more noticeable. This pain might be accompanied by other symptoms related to kidney function.
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can also worsen pain. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. When coughing, momentary increased pressure within the spinal canal can further compress these nerves, leading to increased discomfort, numbness, or cramping in the lower back and legs.
Rarely, spinal infections like osteomyelitis (bone infection) or discitis (disc infection) can cause pain aggravated by coughing. These infections cause inflammation and compromise spinal integrity. Pressure changes and movements from coughing can worsen pain in infected areas. Other systemic symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss often accompany such infections.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if lower back pain from coughing persists or worsens despite self-care. If pain doesn’t improve within a few weeks or becomes more severe, a healthcare provider can assess the situation. Persistent pain may signal an underlying issue requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.
Certain “red flag” symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in the legs or feet, could indicate significant nerve compression or damage. Changes in bowel or bladder control, like difficulty urinating or loss of control, are serious symptoms requiring urgent medical attention. This can signal cauda equina syndrome, where nerves at the spinal cord’s base are severely compressed.
Also, if pain began after a significant fall or injury, prompt evaluation is needed to rule out a fracture. Other concerning signs include fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss with back pain. These could indicate an infection or systemic illness needing prompt diagnosis and treatment. Pain radiating significantly down the leg, often sciatica, should also be discussed, especially if severe or progressive.
Managing Pain and Preventing Recurrence
For acute relief, initial steps include rest and applying ice or heat. Ice reduces inflammation and numbs pain, especially in the first 48 hours; heat relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like NSAIDs, may also reduce discomfort and inflammation. Gentle movement, if pain allows, is often more beneficial than complete bed rest.
Adopting proper coughing technique can significantly reduce back strain. Instead of hunching, maintain a natural back arch or lean slightly forward. Hugging a pillow to the abdomen or bracing against a stable object while coughing supports the core and redistributes force, lessening spinal impact.
Improving overall posture reduces chronic spinal stress, making it less vulnerable to strain from activities like coughing. Maintaining good posture while sitting and standing distributes weight evenly and supports the back’s natural curves. Using lumbar support, like a cushion, also aids proper spinal alignment.
Strengthening core muscles (abdominal and back) provides better spinal support and stability. A strong core reduces muscle strain risk during sudden movements like coughing. Regular, low-impact exercise also maintains spinal health by improving mobility and increasing blood flow, but use caution if pain is present.