If you’re experiencing back pain whenever you cough, finding a solution is important. Left untreated, your pain may continue to persist or worsen over time. The best treatment for your pain will depend on various factors, including the underlying cause. Many specialty services are designed to specifically address certain injuries and chronic conditions. By identifying the explanation for your back pain when coughing, you can start looking for treatments that match your needs.
5 potential explanations for back pain when coughing
Muscle strain — Muscle strain occurs when a muscle is stretched too far or torn. Muscles throughout your body can become strained. A strain can develop over time, or it can happen all at once due to a sudden impact or forceful movement. In some cases, repetitive motions can lead to muscle strain. Coughing a lot, especially when accompanied by big, heaving movements, may cause you to strain a muscle in your back. If you think you might have a strained muscle, look out for symptoms like cramping and localized pain. A strained muscle might create persistent pain, or you may experience discomfort in waves. Movements that engage or put pressure on your strained muscle can lead to more intense pain. If you have a strained muscle along your back, coughing may make the pain worse. Reducing your coughing and recovering from your muscle strain can be key to finding relief.
Postural issues — Poor posture typically leads to back tension. If you frequently slouch or sit in a hunched position, you may be at a higher risk for muscle tension and strain in your back. Coughing can worsen any discomfort caused by postural issues. You may notice pain and stiffness along your back whenever you cough. Pain that worsens whenever sitting for long periods is one sign that your discomfort might be connected to your posture. This kind of discomfort is often centered around the middle and upper parts of the back. If you’re experiencing back pain rooted in postural issues, physical therapy can help. Your physical therapist can help you practice proper posture. You can also engage in targeted exercises designed to improve your spinal alignment.
Nerve irritation — Nerve irritation can occur for a few different reasons. A nerve might be pressed or pinched by surrounding tissue. This can happen when nearby tissue gets swollen or becomes dislocated. You may also experience nerve pain after sustaining an injury that damages a nerve. If a nerve that runs along your spine becomes compressed or damaged, you may experience radiating pain in your back. This pain is often described as shooting, sharp and burning. Your nerve pain may become more noticeable when you cough. This is because the physical motions that go with coughing can put more pressure on your nerves, creating further irritation. If you’re experiencing nerve pain, professional treatment, such as physical therapy, can help address the source of your pain.
Costochondritis — Costochondritis is a condition involving cartilage inflammation. This condition affects the cartilage around the ribs and sternum, potentially leading to tenderness and sharp pain. Costochondritis is relatively common. Experts estimate that this condition is estimated to occur in up to 50% of people with chest pain. While costochondritis mainly affects the chest, it can also lead to back pain. If you have this condition, you may experience sharp pain that intensifies when you take deep breaths or cough. Your physical therapist can help you address the inflammation in your chest and manage your pain with treatments such as targeted stretches.
Herniated disc — Spinal discs are thin cushions of tissue located between the vertebrae in your spine. These cushions help reduce the shock of impacts and protect your spinal bones. Your discs aren’t impervious to damage, though. A major impact can cause a disc to slip. A herniated or slipped disc may press against nearby nerves and create back pain. If you have a herniated disc, physical therapy can play a crucial role in symptom management and healing.
KC Rehab can help address your back pain
At KC Rehab, relief and recovery are top priorities. We can use an array of effective evidence-based treatment strategies to directly address your back pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to identify the causes behind your pain and then apply direct solutions. With treatment tailored to your condition and personal needs, you can start working toward long-term pain relief.
Contact our team today for more information about back pain causes and treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.
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