What Causes Lower Back Pain When I Cough?

Reasons for Lower Back Pain When Coughing

Sometimes, coughing a lot can actually cause back pain. When you cough frequently, it puts extra strain on your back muscles, making them contract more than usual. However, if your coughing isn't ongoing, back pain is usually due to a problem directly related to your back.

Lower back pain can be caused by several things. Some of the most common reasons are:

1. Herniated disk: This happens when the soft part of the cushion-like disks between your spine bones pushes out through the tougher outer layer.

2. Muscle strain: This occurs when a muscle or its connecting tendon in the back gets pulled, torn, or twisted.

3. Muscle sprain: Ligaments, which connect bones at a joint, can get stretched or torn, causing a sprain.

4. Muscle spasm: When a muscle tightens and can't relax after contracting, it can cause spasms or cramps. These spasms might be visible as muscle twitches and can last for a few seconds up to more than 15 minutes. The affected muscle may feel unusually hard or look different from normal.

How to Avoid Lower Back Pain While Coughing

When you cough, try to keep your back comfortably straight instead of slouching forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears to help your back stay loose when you cough.

Also, if you place your hand on a table or counter while coughing, it can reduce pressure on your back.

Why Your Lower Back Aches and How to Alleviate It

There are several reasons why you might feel pain in your lower back when you cough. Some of these reasons can be addressed easily, but others might require you to see a doctor. Here are some common causes of back pain when coughing and tips on how to feel better.

Get a new mattress

If your mattress is more than 5 to 7 years old, it might be a good idea to get a new one. Choose a mattress that feels right for your back, whether it's firm or soft. An indication that your mattress is getting old is when it starts to sag in the middle or where you usually lie down.

Stress relief

When you feel stressed, whether it's from your body feeling strained or from your emotions, it can make you cough more. If the coughing itself is stressing you out, try to stay calm instead of trying hard to stop the cough. To ease emotional stress, you can lower your stress by doing breathing exercises, writing in a journal, or taking care of yourself in other ways.

Support your back while sitting

Lots of jobs involve sitting for long periods. When you sit down, you might naturally start to hunch forward towards your computer or whatever you're focusing on. It's good to take breaks and move around before your back starts feeling uncomfortable. Standing up every so often can be beneficial, along with having a comfortable chair and workstation setup that supports your body well.

When you sit, make sure your back is against the backrest of your chair. Your arms should form a 75- to 90-degree angle when you're typing at a desk. Keep your feet flat on the ground. If your feet don't reach the floor comfortably, consider using a footrest to support them.

Wear comfortable shoes

Your feet help support your legs, and your legs support your back. If you wear shoes that aren't comfortable, it can make your back feel strained or sore. When you're shopping for shoes, pick ones that have good arch support and feel supportive when you wear them. Make sure they fit well by walking around in them at the store. Also, check that the soles of the shoes are cushioned for extra comfort.

Maintain a good posture

When you walk, make sure to look straight ahead and keep your head in line with your spine. Avoid slouching your shoulders. When taking steps, land on your heel first and then roll forward onto your toes. Doing specific exercises can also assist in enhancing your posture.

Exercise well

Overuse injuries occur when you do too much exercise too fast or when you exercise the wrong way. To prevent these injuries, start increasing your activity level gradually and always use the right techniques and equipment.

Prepare Yourself with a Warm-up and Hydration Before Exercising

Before you start any exercise, it's important to warm up and stretch. Drink enough water and avoid working out in very hot weather. Otherwise, you might get a muscle cramp that could make your back ache when you move later, like when you cough.

Receive Adequate Training to Prevent Workplace Injuries

Certain types of work involve a significant amount of lifting, bending, pulling, and pushing. If your job involves these activities, it's important to receive proper training on how to do them safely without hurting your body. Additionally, think about whether you can arrange your workspace to make it easier and reduce the risk of straining your back.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If your back hurts and it doesn't improve after two weeks, it's time to visit your doctor.

You should also see your doctor if you have any of these issues along with your back pain:

• Pain that stays all the time and gets worse at night
• Fever
• Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in one or both legs
• Pain after a big accident, like a fall
• Throbbing pain in your belly
• Losing weight without trying

Caring for Your Back and Relieving Your Cough

If your back hurts when you cough, it probably means there's a problem in your back that needs attention. When you cough, the way your body moves can worsen your back pain. It's important to talk to your doctor to find out why your back is hurting. And if you've been coughing a lot for a long time, it's a good idea to see an upper cervical chiropractor.

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized branch within chiropractic care that concentrates on the upper cervical spine—the crucial link between the head and the body.

This region is pivotal as it safeguards the brainstem, governing essential bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

Practitioners of upper cervical chiropractic employ precise and gentle techniques to rectify misalignments in this specific area. These adjustments are meticulously administered using specialized methods, prioritizing gentle and non-invasive approaches.

Given its complexity, upper cervical chiropractic demands advanced training for practitioners to specialize in this field.

The primary distinction between traditional chiropractic and upper cervical chiropractic lies in their treatment focus. Traditional chiropractors target the entire spine, whereas upper cervical chiropractors concentrate solely on the upper cervical spine.

Another notable difference is the treatment approach. Traditional chiropractic usually entails multiple adjustments spread over several weeks or months.

Conversely, upper cervical chiropractic involves fewer adjustments, often leading to long-lasting relief after only a few visits.

Moreover, upper cervical chiropractic is characterized by its precision and gentleness compared to traditional chiropractic. The adjustments utilized in upper cervical chiropractic are tailored to be highly specific and gentle, minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort.