Seasons change, which means cold and flu season is upon us. And with it comes the dreaded cough. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps keep our airways clear, but it can also lead to upper back pain. In this article, we’ll explore why coughing can cause upper back pain and what you can do to relieve it. Also, we’ll provide some tips on preventing upper back pain from coughing in the future.
Why Coughing Causes Upper Back Pain?
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The act of coughing puts a lot of strain on the muscles in your back and can lead to upper back pain. The reason for this is that when you cough, your abdominal muscles contract and put pressure on the muscles in your back. This can cause them to become inflamed and lead to pain.
Another reason why coughing can cause back pain is because it can lead to a condition called costochondritis. This is when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed. This can cause sharp pain in your upper back and chest that gets worse when you cough.
Finally, coughing can also cause a condition called intercostal muscle strain. This is when the muscles between your ribs become strained and can lead to pain in your upper back and chest.
How To Relieve Upper Back Pain From Coughing?
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Now that you know the cause of your upper back pain from coughing, it’s time to learn how to get rid of it. Here are some effective treatments:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
Pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. It’s important to follow the directions on the label, as taking too much of these medications can lead to serious side effects. The medicine will work best if you take it at the first sign of pain. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure which pain reliever is right for you.
- Heat or ice
Applying heat or ice to the affected area can also help reduce pain and inflammation. Heat pads and warm baths can relax the muscles and ease pain, while ice packs can numb the area and reduce inflammation. Do this for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times per day.
- Physical therapy
If your upper back pain from coughing is severe or chronic, you may need to see a physical therapist. They can teach you exercises and stretches that help strengthen the muscles and relieve pain. Physical therapy can also help improve your posture and alignment, which can help prevent the pain from coming back. Some people may need to see a physical therapist for several weeks or months to fully recover from their upper back pain.
- Surgery
In rare cases, upper back pain from coughing may be caused by a herniated disc or other spinal condition. If conservative treatments don’t work, you may need to have surgery to correct the problem. Surgery is usually only recommended as a last resort, and most people are able to find relief with other treatments.
If you’re experiencing upper back pain from coughing, try these treatments to find relief. If the pain is severe or doesn’t go away, be sure to see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
Tips To Prevent Upper Back Pain From Coughing
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Coughing is a common reflex that helps to clear the airways and prevent infection. However, coughing can also cause upper back pain. Here are some tips to prevent upper back pain from coughing:
- Avoid coughing if possible. If you have to cough, try to do it as gently as possible. There are instances when coughing cannot be avoided, such as when you have a cold or are around someone who is sick. In these cases, try to minimize the duration and intensity of your cough.
- Take breaks often. If you are coughing frequently, take breaks in between to rest your back muscles. Try to sit or lie down in a comfortable position during these breaks.
- Use a humidifier. If the air is dry, it can aggravate your cough and worsen upper back pain. Using a humidifier can help to moisturize the air and reduce coughing. Choose a cool-mist humidifier to avoid further irritating your throat.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help to thin mucus and reduce the need to cough. aim for eight glasses of water per day. You can also drink warm liquids, such as herbal tea, to help soothe your throat.
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your cough and upper back pain. Smoking irritates the throat and lungs, which can make coughing worse. It also increases your risk of developing other respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and emphysema.
Conclusion
Coughing can cause upper back pain. However, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening. Follow the tips above to reduce your risk of upper back pain from coughing.
It is important to see a doctor if your cough is severe or does not go away. A doctor can determine the cause of your cough and recommend treatment options. With the proper treatment, you can get relief from your cough and upper back pain.
I am John Crosby, the founder and author of back backpaincareguides.com. I have been dealing with chronic back pain for almost eight years and have made it my mission to help people who are also suffering from this debilitating condition through my blog. I want to share my knowledge and experience about this condition so that others can find relief from their back pain. I believe that by being open and honest about my struggles, I can inspire others to live better and more fulfilling life.