What Causes Back Pain When Sneezing?

If you have chronic back pain, sneezing can be particularly painful. Your muscles are already tense and strained because of your chronic back pain, which makes sneezing even more challenging and painful.

However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sneezing altogether. If anything, it just means that there are some things you need to think about in order to ease the strain on your back when you sneeze. 

If you suffer from back pain when sneezing, read on to find out more about why that happens and how to ease the pain.

What is the cause of back pain when sneezing?

When you sneeze, the sudden increase in pressure causes the vertebrae of your spine to snap forward. This forward movement can make the bones of your spine rub against each other, which can cause back pain when you sneeze.

Sneezing can also cause pain in the lower back if you have an infection or inflammation in your abdomen. Your abdomen is located below your spine, so any swelling or infection there can push against and irritate the bones of your lower back.

Another common cause of back pain when sneezing is pain resulting from muscle strain.

How to relieve back pain when sneezing?

There are several quick and easy ways to ease back pain when sneezing.

Try to relax

Tensing your muscles will only increase the pain and make it worse. Breathe deeply and try to ease your anxiety.

Wash your lower back

Warm water will help relieve the pain, clean the area, and speed the healing process.

Use a hot pack 

This will open blood vessels, relax tense muscles, and help relieve pain.

Take some painkillers

They will reduce pain and inflammation and will help you feel better faster.

Rest

if the pain becomes unbearable, rest until it subsides, even if it means taking a day off.

Stretches for back pain caused by sneezing

Lower back pain when sneezing can be a symptom of an abdominal infection and inflammation. Abdominal infections can spread to your lower back and cause pain. The best way to ease this pain is to take painkillers and rest until the pain subsides.

You can also do these easy stretches to strengthen and stretch your back:

• Lay on your back and raise both legs up, knees bent, and hands behind your head. To increase the stretch, gently pull your knees towards your chest.
• Standing with both legs wide apart and one hand on the waist, gently bend one leg and lower the heel towards the floor. Repeat with the other leg.
• Hamstring stretch: Lie on your back and bend one leg, keeping the other straight. To increase the stretch, gently tug the bent leg towards you.
• Back stretch: Sit on a chair, bend forward, and place your hands as far below your knees as possible. Repeat with the other leg straight.

Tips to prevent lower back pain when sneezing

• Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back can irritate your back and make the pain worse. Lying on your side is a much better option.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects. If the pain is caused by an abdominal infection, lifting heavy objects can make it worse.
• Use a massaging pad. This can help relieve back pain and tension.
• Consult your doctor if the pain persists, or worsens, or you start coughing up blood. 

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have sneezing-related back pain, you should see a doctor if the pain persists for more than a few days. You should also see a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain after sneezing, if you experience a fever after sneezing, or if the abdominal pain is accompanied by vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do some people experience more pain during a sneeze than others?

There could be several reasons behind this. First of all, some people may have a weaker or more brittle spine than others.

If your spine is not strong enough to withstand the pressure caused by the sudden increase in pressure, your vertebrae may snap forward. People with osteoporosis or scoliosis may experience more pain as a result of sneezing due to the reduced strength of their spines.

Why do some people experience pain in the abdomen after a sneeze?

When you sneeze, your abdominal muscles contract. You may also experience a forceful exhalation. This can cause your internal organs to be pressed against your abdominal wall.

People with weak abdominal muscles, weak abdominal walls, and a condition called abdominal wall hernia can experience abdominal pain after sneezing. This happens because the abdominal organs get pressed against the abdominal wall.

How do I know if my pain is caused by sneezing?

If you sneeze frequently and experience pain in your abdomen or back after sneezing, this may be due to the pressure caused by sneezing. You can confirm this by reducing the amount of pressure in your abdomen and back.

To do this, try to sneeze in a controlled fashion by keeping your abdominal muscles relaxed and using your diaphragm to push the air out of your body. If you have excessive abdominal pressure and back pain as a result of sneezing, you should also pay attention to the position of your pelvis while sitting down.

If your pelvis is tilted forward, it could mean that your abdominal muscles are working too hard. This could be a sign of scoliosis, which can cause abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Sneezing can cause back pain. When you sneeze, the sudden increase in pressure inside your head forces the vertebrae of your spine to snap forward. This movement can make the bones in your spine rub against each other, which can cause back pain when you sneeze.

To avoid back pain when sneezing, you should sit or lie down with your back straight. Avoid sitting with your back twisted, as it can make your pain worse. Strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects, running, bending, or twisting can make your back pain worse.

You can use heat or cold packs, take painkillers, and wear a brace to relieve the pain. You can also eat healthy foods, get enough rest, and wear appropriate clothing to prevent back pain when sneezing.