Back Pain and Coughing?

Back Pain When Coughing

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the respiratory tract, but if you experience back pain when coughing it could be a sign of a problem. While occasional discomfort may not be alarming, persistent, or sharp, back pain during a cough should be evaluated. Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care providers in the Tampa Bay area, discusses back pain when coughing.

The Valsalva maneuver is a forceful exhalation against a closed airway and often occurs during activities like heavy lifting, straining, sneezing, or coughing. This increases pressure within the chest and abdominal cavities, which in turn increases stress on muscles and structures of the back. During a cough, the forceful increase of intra-abdominal pressure can aggravate spinal, muscular, and other internal problems, resulting in back pain.

The back and spine are made up of vertebral bones, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, ribs, and nerves. The thoracic spine (mid back) and lumbar spine (lower back) are both involved during a cough. When the diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, the spine is subjected to mechanical forces. If there is a weakness or injury in any of these structures, coughing may trigger pain.

Several conditions can explain why back pain is felt during a cough. Here are 10 possible causes of back pain when coughing:

1. Herniated Disc: A disc that bulges or ruptures can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that worsens with pressure from coughing.

2. Muscle Strain: Accidents, improper lifting, or sudden movements can strain back muscles, leading to pain that is aggravated by the force of a cough.

3. Spinal Fracture: Vertebral fractures can become more painful during coughing, especially in people with osteoporosis or after trauma such as a car accident.

4. Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related disc degeneration can cause chronic back pain that flares up with increased intra-abdominal pressure during coughing.

5. Facet Joint Dysfunction: Inflammation or degeneration of the spinal facet joints may cause pain during the compression caused by coughing.

6. Sciatica: Irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause radiating back and leg pain and is often exacerbated by coughing due to increased nerve pressure.

7. Spinal Stenosis: This occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed, compressing the spinal cord or nerves. This compression is worsened by the increased internal pressure that happens during coughing.

8. Thoracic or Abdominal Injury: Trauma to the ribs, thoracic vertebrae, or abdominal wall, such as from a sports injury or car crash, can result in pain that intensifies with coughing.

9. Kidney Conditions: Infections or stones can cause flank or back pain, which may worsen with jarring movements like a forceful cough.

10. Lung Conditions: Pleurisy, pneumonia, or lung tumors may cause referred pain to the back during coughing.

To determine the cause of back pain when coughing, a healthcare provider may use several types of diagnostic imaging in addition to physical evaluations. X-rays are often the first step, as they evaluate bone structure and can reveal fractures or spinal abnormalities. For a better look at soft tissues an MRI may be recommended. CT scans also provide detailed images and are especially useful following traumatic events. In cases where kidney issues are suspected, an ultrasound may be used to evaluate the abdominal and pelvic regions. These diagnostic tools help identify the source of pain and direct the most appropriate follow up.

Back pains when coughing that are persistent, severe, or worsening are signs that it is time to consult a healthcare provider. Other signs include:

• Pain following a traumatic event (car accident, fall, sports injury)
• Radiating pain to legs or arms
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Fever or unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty breathing

Back pain when coughing should not be ignored, especially if it is new or worsening. Whether it is a minor muscle strain or a more complex issue, seeking timely care from a chiropractor or other medical professional can lead to faster recovery and prevent complications.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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