Experiencing back pain when coughing can be both surprising and uncomfortable. You might wonder, “Why does my back hurt when I cough?” Whether it’s a sharp twinge or a dull ache, this discomfort can interrupt your daily life and leave you seeking answers. Let’s explore the possible causes of back pain when coughing, what the pain might feel like, what it could lead to, how to prevent it, when to see a doctor, and how medical professionals can help.
The Connection Between Coughing and Back Pain
Here are some potential reasons why your back hurts when you cough.
- Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture over time can weaken back muscles and put extra pressure on the spine. When you cough, the added force can stress these already strained areas, leading to discomfort.
- Muscle Strain: Coughing involves a forceful contraction of your abdominal and back muscles. Repeated or severe coughing can strain these muscles, leading to pain. This is especially true if you have a persistent cough due to a cold, flu, or respiratory condition.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. Coughing can increase pressure on the spine, exacerbating pain from a herniated disc, particularly if the disc is pressing on a nerve.
- Lung Infections: Infections like pneumonia or bronchitis can cause inflammation in the lungs and the pleura (the lining around the lungs), which can result in pain when coughing, including pain in the back.
What Back Pain from Coughing Feels Like
Here are a few examples of what back pain from coughing might feel like.
- Sharp or Stabbing Pain: This might indicate a herniated disc or a muscle strain. It is often localized and can be quite intense.
- Dull Ache: A dull ache may suggest muscle strain or poor posture. It tends to be more widespread and less intense.
- Radiating Pain: If the pain radiates down your arms or legs, it may be due to nerve involvement from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
- Upper Back Pain: You might wonder, “Why does my upper back hurt when I cough?” Upper back pain when coughing is often related to muscle strain or posture issues, especially if you spend a lot of time hunched over a desk or computer.
- Lower Back Pain: If your lower back hurts when you cough, it could be due to a herniated disc or muscle strain. Lower back pain is common and can be quite debilitating.
- Pain in Back of Head: Back of head hurts when I cough is a complaint that might indicate tension headaches or cervical spine issues.
5 Ways to Prevent Back Pain from Coughing
Taking proactive steps can help prevent back pain when coughing:
- Stay Hydrated: Keeping hydrated can help thin mucus, reducing the need for forceful coughing.
- Maintain Good Posture: Sit and stand with your back straight and shoulders back to reduce strain on your muscles and spine.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise strengthens your back muscles and improves flexibility, reducing the risk of muscle strain.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help reduce coughing fits and lessen the strain on your back.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can lead to chronic coughing and lung issues. Quitting can significantly reduce coughing and related back pain.
When to See a Doctor for Pain While Coughing
Back pain when coughing can range from mild to severe, and while it often goes away on its own, certain symptoms warrant a visit to your doctor. Knowing when to seek medical attention can help you avoid complications and address underlying issues as soon as possible. Here are some signs and situations when you should see a doctor:
Ongoing Pain
If your back pain persists for more than a few weeks, you should visit a spine specialist. Chronic pain can be a sign of underlying issues like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other structural spine problems that require evaluation and treatment.
Radiating Pain
Pain that radiates from your back to other parts of your body, such as your legs, arms, or hips, could be a sign that nerves are involved. This type of pain, often connected to conditions like sciatica or a pinched nerve, requires a diagnosis and treatment by a doctor.
Weakness or Numbness
Experiencing weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation in your extremities is a sign that you should see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of nerve compression or damage, which may require treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Difficulty Breathing
If you experience difficulty breathing or other respiratory symptoms along with your back pain, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious underlying illness or health condition that requires prompt treatment.
Fever or Weight Loss
If you have a fever or experience unexplained weight loss along with back pain, this could be a sign of an infection. It’s important to not ignore these symptoms and talk to a doctor who can run the necessary tests to diagnose and address the root cause.
How AICA Orthopedics Can Help
At AICA Orthopedics, our multi-specialty team of doctors is here to help you find lasting relief from back pain. From chiropractors with a drug-free approach to treatment to physical therapists who provide stretches and exercises, we’re here to help. Our Snellville offices specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues. They can perform spinal adjustments and recommend exercises to relieve pain and improve posture.
You can also work with a Snellville physical therapist to practice proper breathing techniques that help reduce painful coughing. Plus, if your back pain is related to nerve issues, a Snellville neurologist can help diagnose and treat potential conditions that affect your nervous system. If you find yourself asking, “Why does my back hurt when I cough?” or “Why does my upper back hurt when I cough?” don’t hesitate to visit AICA Orthopedics in Snellville to get started with a personalized treatment plan today.