Most people are not surprised (although it should be addressed) to experience regular back pain when moving at work or when in engaged in some form of strenuous activity. However, when it consistently occurs as a result of an innocuous act, individuals rightfully wonder if further investigation is required. Such is the case for those who have arrived here after searching “why does my back hurt when I sneeze” which is particularly problematic when one has the sniffles due to a cold, virus, or seasonal allergy, the latter of which can run through months of a given year. As someone who is frustrated by the same malady, you want insight on the matter, which ultimately informs your decision to seek treatment. As Burnaby BC’s leading physiotherapy clinic we are happy to weigh in on the matter from a musculoskeletal perspective (vs underlying medical conditions). Read ahead to learn more.
Musculoskeletal Reasons for Why Your Back Might Hurt Whenever You Sneeze
Why Your Lower Back Hurts When You Sneeze
The lower back is typically where the pain occurs for those who experience musculoskeletal discomfort when sneezing. It is generally caused by a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure and violent muscle contraction, which strains already sensitized musculoskeletal structures. Recognizing this, it can be inferred that lower back pain that persistently cooccurs with or follows sneezing is likely connected to any of the following:
- Herniated or bulging discs.
- Lumbar muscle strains or sprains.
- Vertebral compression fractures (generally related to osteoporosis).
- Sciatica/nerve impingement.
- Degenerative disc disease.
Why Your Upper Back Hurts When You Sneeze
Upper back pain experienced when sneezing may be the result of some of the same issues related to lower back pain, but may also feature other problems, listed here:
- Herniated or bulging discs.
- Rapid contraction of upper back and neck muscles which may have overstretched or torn muscles, resulting in sharp and sudden spasm when sneezing.
- Vertebral compression fractures.
- Inflamed rib joints connect to the spine and can refer pain to the upper back during a sneeze.
- Thoracic stiffness and related posture issues can make the upper back less resilient to the sudden, jarring motion of a sneeze.
How Chronic Sneezing Could be the Culprit
How Physiotherapy Will Help
Treatment of back pain related to musculoskeletal issues – sneezing connections or otherwise – is a speciality at our Burnaby BC physiotherapy clinic. We are staffed with registered massage therapists, TCM acupuncturists / IMS specialists, chiropractors, and kinesiologists who can alleviate and prevent back pain.
After receiving treatment from our team of specialists, the only thing to expect after a sneeze is a gesundheit from courteous onlookers. Schedule assessment via your preferred form of contact below.
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