Have you ever experienced excruciating back pain when you sneeze or cough? It is quite common for people to feel a sudden jolt of pain in their back when they sneeze, and it can be quite painful for some individuals. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your back may hurt when you sneeze and what you can do about it.
How come when I sneeze my back hurts?
The answer to this question is quite simple. When you sneeze, your body experiences a tremendous amount of pressure that can impact certain parts of your body, including your back. The sudden movement that happens when you sneeze can strain your back muscles and even cause some of your spinal discs to shift.
Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, a pain specialist and medical director of the national Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, states that “most commonly, it’s simply a muscle strain, but it can be a spinal disc herniation, particularly if you have any history of lifting heavy objects.”
Why does my back hurt when I cough or sneeze?
The reason why your back may hurt when you cough or sneeze is that both actions involve sudden and forceful movements of your body. Your back muscles and spinal discs are responsible for supporting your spine and keeping it aligned. When you cough or sneeze, the impact can put additional pressure on these muscles and discs, causing them to shift and become misaligned.
Is it normal for your body to hurt when you sneeze?
It is relatively commonplace for your body to hurt when you sneeze. But, if the pain continues, it may be worth speaking to your physician to rule out any underlying conditions.
“If it happens once in a while, I wouldn’t worry about it,” Dr. Teitelbaum says. “But if it occurs every time you sneeze or cough or if it’s limiting you in some way, then it warrants a trip to the doctor.”
Why does my back hurt when I sneeze in my shoulder blade?
If you are experiencing back pain in your shoulder blade when you sneeze, you may have an undiagnosed condition known as thoracic spine dysfunction. This is a condition that affects the upper-to-mid back area, or the area between your shoulder blades, and can cause pain and discomfort when you cough, sneeze or even breathe deeply.
Additionally, some people may have a strained or pulled muscle in their back, which, when mixed with the pressure of the sneeze or cough, can lead to intense pain.
What can you do about it?
If you are experiencing severe back pain when you sneeze or cough, you should consult with your physician to ensure that it is not a sign of a more severe underlying condition. If you have chronic back troubles that are intensified by sneezing, a physical therapist or chiropractor can help relieve the pain.
Additionally, certain exercises, such as yoga or swimming, can help alleviate back pain and maintain your muscles and spinal discs in good shape. Make sure to stretch and warm up before meshing in any physical activity. If the problem persists and is impacting your day-to-day life, surgical interventions such as spinal decompression surgery may be required. Your physician can advise you on this.
References
1)https://www.health.com/pain/back-pain-when-sneezing
2)https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317369#causes-of-sneezing-back-pain
3)https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-sneezing-cause-back-pain-4172773
Leave a Reply