You know how debilitating it can be if you are one of the many people who suffer from back pain when coughing. Back pain is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a number of things, including coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear your airways, but it can cause a lot of pain in your back. In this post, we will discuss the top seven causes of back pain when coughing. We will also discuss 6 of the most effective treatments for back pain caused by coughing. Let’s start with the causes first!
Causes of back pain when coughing:
1. Straining the Muscles
Strained muscles are the first and most common cause of back pain when coughing. When you cough, you put a strain on the muscles in your back and abdomen. If you cough too hard or for too long, these muscles can become weak and inflamed, leading to pain in the lower back, as well as other parts of the body.
To prevent this, it is essential to cough correctly. Make sure to take a deep breath before you cough and exhale slowly. Also, try not to hold your breath while coughing.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is the second most common cause of back pain when coughing. It occurs when the discs in your spine begin to degenerate or break down. This can happen for several reasons, including age, injury, or disease. When the discs degenerate, they lose their ability to cushion the spine properly. This can lead to pain and stiffness, especially when coughing.
Degenerative disc disease is more common in older adults but can occur at any age. If you have this condition, it is important to see a doctor get the proper treatment.
But, there are a few things you can do to help prevent or ease back pain caused by degenerative disc disease:
- Try to maintain good posture and alignment. This will help take the pressure off of your discs.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles around your spine. This will help support your spine and discs.
- Try to avoid activities that put excessive stress on your spine, such as lifting heavy objects or participating in high-impact sports.
3. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is another condition that can cause back pain when coughing. This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows. This can put pressure on the nerves in the spine and lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. This can cause pain in the back and legs and difficulty walking. Spinal stenosis is a common cause of back pain in older adults.
If you have spinal stenosis, it is important to seek medical treatment. Physical therapy and exercise can help to relieve some of the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to ease the pressure on the spinal cord.
4. Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis affecting millions of Americans. It is a degenerative disease that causes the deterioration of the cartilage in the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. It is most common in older adults but can also occur in younger people.
Coughing can exacerbate osteoarthritis pain significantly if the joints in the spine are affected. There are a number of different treatments for osteoarthritis, including pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
5. Dehydration
The fifth common cause of back pain when coughing is dehydration. When dehydrated, your body does not have enough fluids to function properly. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the airways. When this happens, it can cause significant pain in the back and neck. When you are dehydrated, your body cannot produce enough mucus.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is essential to prevent this. It would be best if you also avoided caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
6. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that can cause back pain when coughing. This condition is characterized by pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. Fibromyalgia can also cause fatigue, sleep problems, and depression.
If you have fibromyalgia, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from back pain. One way to do this is to use a heating pad or ice pack on your back when coughing. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain. It would help if you also avoid activities that trigger your symptoms, such as standing for long periods.
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7. Spondylolisthesis
The Seventh possible condition that can cause back pain when coughing is Spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis can also occur due to a birth defect, injury, or degenerative disease. Usually, this condition occurs when one vertebrae in the spine slips out of place. This can lead to pain and numbness in the legs. Spondylolisthesis is more common in older adults but can occur at any age. If you have Spondylolisthesis, it is crucial to seek medical treatment.
Spondylolisthesis condition can often be managed with pain medication and physical therapy. However, surgery may be necessary in some cases to correct the problem.
Treatment of back pain when coughing:
1) Heat Therapy
Applying heat therapy is the first best way to relieve back pain caused by coughing. This can be done using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm compress. Applying heat to the affected area can help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation. Just be sure not to use heat for more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid burns. You can also take a hot bath or shower to relieve back pain caused by coughing.
2) Ice Therapy
Ice therapy is one of the most effective treatments for back pain caused by coughing. To do this, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day as needed. You can use frozen peas or a corn bag if you don’t have an ice pack. So, If you suffer from back pain when coughing, applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain—worth using.
3) Massage
Massage can be an effective treatment for back pain when coughing. Massaging the affected area can help relieve tension and inflammation, which can help reduce the pain. If you have access to a massage therapist, schedule a session to help alleviate your back pain. If you don’t have access to a massage therapist, you can try self-massage. Use your hands to massage the affected area, using circular or kneading motions. Massage can help reduce muscle tension and spasms in the back, leading to pain relief.
There are many different ways to massage the affected area, but one of the most effective is to use a tennis ball. Simply place the tennis ball under the affected area and apply pressure.
If you are pregnant, it is essential to consult with your doctor before trying any self-massage techniques.
4) Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are a fourth great way to relieve back pain caused by coughing. By aligning the spine, chiropractors can help take the pressure off the nerves and muscles causing the pain. When you see a chiropractor, they will use their hands to manipulate your spine. This, in turn, can help to reduce or eliminate back pain.
5) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a popular treatment for many types of pain, including back pain caused by coughing. This ancient Chinese practice involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the brain, providing relief from back pain.
Several studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of back pain. One study found that acupuncture was more effective than standard care in treating chronic back pain.
Another study found that acupuncture effectively reduced the intensity of back pain and improved function in people with acute back pain.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture for your back pain, you should consult with a qualified practitioner.
6. Herbal Remedies
There are a number of herbal remedies that can be effective in treating back pain caused by coughing. One of the most popular herbs for this purpose is ginger. Ginger can help to reduce inflammation and pain. It can also help to improve circulation. To use ginger for back pain, take it in capsule form or make a tea by steeping fresh ginger in hot water. Other most effective herbs for relieving back pain include turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, and garlic.
If you are interested in using herbal remedies to treat your back pain, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make sure to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.
- Be sure to purchase high-quality herbs from a reputable source.
- Follow all directions on the product label carefully.
When should I see a doctor for back pain when coughing?
A: You should see a doctor if the back pain is severe, if it lasts more than a week, or if it gets worse over time. Your doctor can determine the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, back pain can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. If your doctor suspects that you have one of these conditions, they may recommend further testing, such as an MRI or CT scan.
Bottom Line:
There are a number of different ways that you can treat back pain when coughing. We have outlined six of the most effective treatments. If your back pain is severe, we recommend you consult a healthcare professional to find the best treatment