Back pain can have many triggers and underlying causes. Some people experience persistent back pain at all times. Others only feel pain during certain activities. In some cases, some can trigger back pain when coughing. You may notice that your back pain comes in waves during and after a cough. This discomfort can range from a mild ache to sharp, shooting pain. If you’re experiencing back pain when coughing, it’s important to understand what might be causing it.

Why does your back hurt when you cough? 6 potential reasons

Identifying the cause of your pain may be the first step toward finding relief. If you want to get an in-depth understanding of your condition and potential solutions, seeking physical therapy can be a great decision. Back pain is a fairly common symptom. One study found that the back is the most prevalent site for pain, with over a third of adults saying they experienced back pain within the last three months. If you’re experiencing back pain after coughing, it could have a variety of causes. Potential reasons range from simple muscle strain to more serious conditions like a herniated disc or arthritis. Learning more about these causes can help you get a better understanding of your condition.

1. Muscle strain — A muscle strain is one of the most common reasons for back pain while coughing. Coughing involves sudden, forceful movements that engage your back muscles. If you’ve been coughing repeatedly, these muscles can become overworked and strained. You may be experiencing repetitive coughing fits as a result of a cold, the flu, or other illness. Muscle strain often causes pain that feels sharp or tender in a specific area of your back. You might notice it more when you move, twist, or cough again. This pain may improve with rest and gentle stretching. If you want to speed up your recovery process and prevent future strains, physical therapy can help. People who have weak back muscles or poor posture may be more vulnerable to muscle strains. Strengthening your back muscles through physical therapy can reduce the risk of strain the next time you’re dealing with a cough.
2. Poor posture — Poor posture can put extra stress on your back. This stress can be especially noticeable when sitting or standing for long periods. If you’re slouching or sitting with your shoulders rounded forward, the muscles and joints in your back may be under constant pressure. When you cough, the sudden movement can aggravate these already stressed muscles, which may lead to pain during and after coughing. Over time, poor posture can weaken the muscles that support your spine. This makes the muscles more prone to injury. Improving your posture can make a big difference. Small changes, like sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders back, can reduce back pain when coughing. Physical therapy can help identify and correct posture problems. A licensed physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles, helping you maintain better alignment.
3. Herniated disc — Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Soft discs between your vertebrae act as cushions. A disc becomes herniated if the soft center of the disc pushes out through its outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain in your lower back. This pain may also spread to other parts of your body, including your legs. Coughing can increase pressure inside the spinal column. When pressure increases, it can worsen the pain from a herniated disc. You might feel sharp, shooting pain or a tingling sensation in your lower back. Physical therapy can be a great option for treating a herniated disc. Your physical therapist may guide you through exercises to release tension and build strength. Strengthening the muscles around your spine can relieve pressure on the affected disc and reduce pain over time.
4. Spinal compression fracture — A spinal compression fracture can occur when a bone in the spine becomes weak and breaks. This kind of fracture can be caused by physical trauma or existing conditions. Compression fractures tend to be more common in people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones fragile. Even something as simple as a hard cough can cause a fracture if the bones are weak enough. If you have a spinal fracture, you may notice a lot of pain and discomfort. Spinal fractures often cause sudden, sharp pain that worsens with movement or coughing. If you suspect a fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Treatment may include rest, medications, and physical therapy. Physical therapy can be vital to your recovery. Working with your physical therapist, you can take steps to strengthen your back muscles and improve mobility as you recover.
5. Myofascial pain syndrome — Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition. This condition involves pain in the muscles and the connective tissue, or fascia, that surrounds them. This condition often involves trigger points. Trigger points, also called muscle knots, are sensitive areas of tight muscle that can cause pain when pressed or irritated. Coughing can activate these trigger points, leading to discomfort in your back. The pain may feel like a deep ache or tightness and can sometimes spread to other areas. Physical therapy can be an effective way to manage myofascial pain syndrome. Your physical therapist may use hands-on manual therapy techniques, like trigger point therapy and soft tissue manipulation, to reduce tension and relieve your pain.
6. Sciatica — The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back down into the legs. Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This condition can have many causes, including bone spurs and herniated discs. If you have sciatica, coughing may exacerbate your pain. Coughing increases pressure in the lower back, which can worsen sciatica symptoms. You might feel sharp, shooting pain that travels down your buttock and into your leg. Some people also experience numbness or tingling in the affected area. Physical therapy for sciatica tends to focus on reducing nerve compression and improving flexibility. Your physical therapist may guide you through exercises and stretches designed to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Top physical therapy treatments for lower back pain when coughing

If you experience back pain when coughing, physical therapy can help address the root cause of your discomfort. Physical therapists use a combination of hands-on techniques and exercises. These treatments can improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. Here are three effective treatments:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve movement. Therapists may use joint mobilization to ease stiffness or soft tissue manipulation to release tension in tight muscles. These techniques are especially helpful for conditions like muscle strain, myofascial pain syndrome, and arthritis. Your physical therapist can adapt their manual therapy techniques to your particular needs.
• Stretches — Stretching can help improve flexibility and relieve tension in your muscles. With specialized PT stretches you can target the muscles around your back. For example, hamstring stretches can reduce tension in the lower back. Cat-cow stretches can increase spinal mobility. Your physical therapist can show you safe, effective stretches to do at home and during clinical sessions.
• Core exercises — Your core muscles play a key role in supporting your spine, and weak core muscles can make your back more prone to pain and injury. Physical therapy includes targeted exercises to strengthen your core, such as planks, bridges, and pelvic tilts. Building a strong core can reduce the strain on your back and make coughing less painful.

Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you relieve your back pain when coughing

Lattimore Physical Therapy offers effective treatment from compassionate, experienced physical therapists. We treat back pain with personalized care and evidence-based techniques. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that helps address your unique needs and improves your physical well-being.

Contact our team today for more information about back pain treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.