Coughing is something we all do—whether from seasonal cold, allergies, or a chest infection. Sometimes coughing can cause pain in your back and can become uncomfortable.
Coughing itself can trigger back pain by straining a muscle or it can aggravate an existing condition like spinal stenosis or sciatica.
Let’s explore the common causes of back pain when coughing and learn some simple tips that can help you find relief.
Common Causes of Back Pain when Coughing
Your spine and surrounding muscles work together to stabilise your body when you move—including when you cough. A sudden strong cough creates internal pressure in your chest and abdomen which can put stress on your back muscles.
Sometimes the pain comes from a minor muscle strain and sometimes it can point towards an underlying issue like herniated disc.
The most common causes include:
1. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Sometimes sudden or intense coughing can put extra pressure on your back. This can cause a temporary injury like muscle strain—also known as a pulled muscle.
Until your muscle heals, moving or sitting in a certain position or activities such as coughing can make your pain worse.
A sprain affects the ligaments—the tough tissues that connect the bone at a joint. In such cases, ligaments are stretched or torn, usually due to excessive strain or awkward movement.
2. Herniated Disc
Your spinal discs act as a cushion between your vertebrae. When one of these discs bulges or ruptures it can press on the nearby nerves—a condition called herniated disc.
The increased pressure due to coughing can aggravate this nerve compression and cause sharp, radiating pain.
Disc herniation can cause tingling and numbness down the lower back and in one or both legs. When the disc herniation is severe, it can also cause symptoms like bowel or bladder incontinence.
3. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column starts to narrow—it happens as the person ages. This can put extra pressure on the spinal nerves. Coughing increases this pressure and can worsen the back pain.
Spinal stenosis can also cause numbness and cramping in the lower back and legs.
In some cases, it can also affect sexual function and bowel and bladder function. In severe cases, it can also cause weakness or loss of leg function.
4. Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition in which your sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back down through your legs, gets compressed or irritated. It can be caused due to a slipped or herniated disc.
If the nerve is already inflamed, coughing can send shooting pain down the leg.
Sciatica causes a sharp or burning pain that radiates from your lower back down to one side of your body.
5. Other Possible Causes
In some cases lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis can also cause referred pain in the back when coughing.
Although rare, lung cancer can also be a possible cause of back pain when coughing.
When to See a Doctor
Mild back pain when coughing is usually harmless and can settle down on its own. However, if your back pain is accompanied by some other symptoms, it means you should check in with a doctor. These symptoms include:
- Severe or worsening pain that interferes with your daily life
- Pain that radiates down your leg or arm
- Feelings of numbness, tingling, or weakness in one leg or both
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
- Pain that doesn’t get better when your cough clears
Treatment Options for Back Pain when Coughing
The treatment depends on the cause and severity of your pain. Most cases can be managed with some simple, non-surgical measures. These include:
Non-Surgical Options
Rest and Gentle Activity:
Avoid heavy lifting or sudden twisting movements while your back heals.
Your doctor would recommend safe activities so you can stay active. These may include walking, gentle swimming, or biking instead of running.
Heat or Cold Therapy:
Applying heat or cold compresses on the affected area may also help ease pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
Physiotherapy:
A physiotherapist can guide you through specific exercises to strengthen your core muscles, improve posture, and support your spine.
Pain Relief Medications:
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage your pain. If you’re unsure, it’s better to ask your GP or pharmacist about the medicine you should take.
Addressing the Cough:
Treating the root cause of cough (like respiratory infections or allergies) will naturally reduce strain on your back.
Learn more about home remedies for chronic back pain.
Surgical Options
In cases when your pain is due to a more serious condition like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, your doctor may discuss surgical options with you.
These may include procedures like microdiscectomy or laminectomy to relieve nerve compression.
Another option includes artificial disc replacement in which the doctor removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial model.
How to Prevent Back Pain when Coughing
You can’t always avoid a cough. But there are some things you can do to strengthen your back and reduce the risk of pain. These include:
Maintaining a good posture—keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Exercising regularly—activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can strengthen your core and back muscles.
When lifting something, always bend your knees not your back.
Staying hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet to support your joint and muscle health.
Ergonomic adjustments—making an effort to improve your posture and adopt healthy sitting habits. Consider using ergonomic furniture that provides better back support while you sit.
If you smoke, quit smoking—smoking damages the spine, slows healing, and increases the risk of disc degeneration.
Final Thoughts
Back pain when coughing is often caused by muscle strain or increased pressure on the spine. Most cases get better with rest, gentle movement, and proper care. However, if you have ongoing or severe pain, you shouldn’t ignore it.
If your pain is affecting your mobility, sleep, or quality of life, speak with your doctor.
Early treatment can prevent long term discomfort and help you feel better.
