Lower back pain is a fairly common
symptom. Coughing may worsen existing lower back pain for some people, whereas
for others, lower back pain may only become noticeable when they cough.
Coughing can cause a person to
lean forward slightly. This position can put stress on
the lower back and may displace the vertebrae, or spinal bones, making lower back pain worse.
In
this article, we cover some of the possible causes of lower back pain when
coughing, as well as treatment options and when to see a doctor.
Causes
Below
are some of the most common causes of back pain when coughing.
Disk herniation
Between the spinal bones are
protective disks that cushion the spine and act as shock absorbers. Due to
normal wear and tear, these disks can slip out of place or protrude. Doctors
call this disk herniation.
An
article in the European Spine
Journal reported that people with severe sciatica were
more likely to have disk herniation if their leg pain became
worse when coughing.
Sciatica
is pain that results from the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Sometimes,
a herniated disk presses
on the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve in the lower back and legs.
Disk herniation can cause
tingling and numbness down the lower back and in one or both legs. Severe disk
herniation can lead to symptoms such as incontinence of
the bowel or bladder.
To
relieve the pain of disk herniation, a person can try resting the back, taking
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and
applying a cloth-covered ice pack for 10 minutes several times per day.
In
severe cases, a person may need surgery to repair the herniated disk.
Muscle strain
or ligament sprain
Sometimes,
a bout of intense or sudden coughing can put unexpected pressure on the back.
This pressure can lead to a temporary injury, such as a muscle strain, which
doctors may refer to as a pulled muscle.
The
pain can become more intense with certain positions or activities, including
coughing. A person may also experience back stiffness, muscle spasms, or muscle
tenderness.
Taking
NSAIDs, resting the back for a day or two, avoiding postures and positions that
worsen the pain, and applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area can
all help promote recovery.
If
the symptoms do not subside within 4–6 weeks, however, a person should see
their doctor.
Spinal stenosis
As
a person ages, their spinal column starts to narrow, and this can put more
pressure on the spinal nerves.
Being
in certain positions, such as leaning forward when coughing, can put even more
pressure on the nerves and cause lower back pain.
Spinal
stenosis can also cause numbness or cramping pain in the lower back
and legs. It may also affect sexual function, cause problems with bowel or
bladder function, and, in severe cases, lead to loss of leg function.
To
reduce the effects of spinal stenosis, a person can try exercising to build up
the muscles in the back to help support and strengthen it.
It
may also help to take NSAIDs or prescription medications to relieve muscle
spasms. Some doctors may recommend steroid injections and possibly even surgery
if the symptoms are severe.
Lung
cancer
Lung cancer is a rare but possible cause of
lower back pain when coughing. Experiencing bone pain can indicate that the
condition has spread to nearby organs.
Some other symptoms of lung cancer include:
·
coughing up blood
·
losing weight unexpectedly
·
finding it hard to breathe
·
wheezing
·
fatigue
The
treatment options for lung cancer depend on the severity of the condition.
Typical treatments include radiation and chemotherapy to
shrink the tumor and
surgery to remove it.
Home remedies
A person can try several home
remedies to help improve their lower back pain. The following techniques may
help:
·
Applying a cloth-covered heat or ice pack for 10
minutes at a time several times per day.
·
Resting the back for no longer than 2 days.
Resting for too long can cause the muscles in the back to tighten, which may worsen the pain.
·
Taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, to
relieve discomfort.
·
Engaging in low impact activities, such as
walking or swimming. These can help reduce muscle tension in the back and
relieve inflammation.
·
Practicing "bracing" techniques when
coughing, such as putting a pillow on the stomach and holding it tighter during
a cough. This method can minimize the pressure on the back by reducing its
curving action when coughing.
Some
people have also found relief from lower back pain by trying alternative
therapies, such as massage and acupuncture.
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