Low back pain when coughing

Is my back pain serious?

Low back pain when coughing and sneezing can be a common and frustrating experience. It can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as getting out of bed, bending over, and lifting objects. It is important to find out if the low back pain is something that should go away after some time, or if it is something more sinister that requires medical attention.

Your pain in the back may be serious if you have any of the following accompanying symptoms:

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
• Pain that radiates down one or both legs
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Saddle anaesthesia (loss of sensation in the area around the genitals and anus)
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night pain
• Pain that is worse when lying down
• A history of cancer
• Recent trauma to the back

What are the possible causes?

There are a number of possible causes of low back pain when coughing and sneezing. Some of the most common causes include:

• Muscle strain: Coughing and sneezing can put a sudden strain on the muscles in the lower back. This can lead to muscle pain and spasms.
• Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance of a spinal disc leaks out and presses on a nerve. Coughing and sneezing can aggravate a herniated disc and cause pain in the lower back and legs.
• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, causing pain in the lower back and legs. Coughing and sneezing can aggravate spinal stenosis and make the pain worse.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect any joint in the body, including the spine. Coughing and sneezing can put stress on the affected joints and cause pain.

If you are experiencing low back pain when coughing and sneezing, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.

What are the treatments possible for low back pain when coughing?

The treatment for low back pain when coughing and sneezing will depend on the underlying cause. However, some common treatments include:

• Rest: Resting the lower back can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the lower back and improve flexibility.
  • Some examples of physical therapy exercises for low back pain include:
    • Stretching: Stretching the muscles in the lower back and hips can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain.
    • Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles that support the spine can help to improve stability and reduce the risk of further injury.
    • Core exercises: Core exercises help to strengthen the muscles in the abdomen and back, which can improve stability and reduce pain.
    • Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help to improve overall fitness and reduce pain.
  • In addition to exercises, physical therapists may also use other techniques to treat low back pain, such as:
    • Manual therapy: Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
    • Heat and ice therapy: Heat and ice therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation can be used to reduce pain and muscle spasms.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections or other types of injections can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Nucleoplasty and radiofrequency facets are other options.
• Surgery: Surgery may be an option for people with severe low back pain that does not respond to other treatments.

It is important to seek medical advice from a trusted professional. This is especially the case if you have any of the accompanying symptoms stated above. See you at our clinic at Novena Pain Management Centre!