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Coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses, from the common cold and flu to COVID-19 and seasonal allergies. While coughing is usually harmless, persistent or intense coughing can lead to muscle pain and fatigue. This is because coughing engages various muscles in the chest, back, abdomen, and rib cage, and repeated movement can cause these muscles to stretch, pull, or partially tear. In addition to muscle pain, intense coughing can also worsen existing back conditions and lead to displacement of the vertebrae or spinal bones. It is important to note that chest pain when coughing can also be a sign of more serious conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, or lung cancer, and medical advice should be sought if pain persists or other symptoms are present.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain | Muscle strain, muscle spasms, muscle fatigue, muscle stiffness, and rigidity |
| Cause of muscle pain | Coughing works many different muscles in your upper body and can make them sore |
| Muscle pain location | Chest, Back, Abdomen, Ribs, and Stomach |
| Muscle pain treatment | Creams/gels, cough medicines, decongestants, steam-inhalation, NSAIDs, steroid injections, surgery, core-strengthening physical therapy, hot bath, good posture, shock-absorbing shoes, sleeping on your back |
| Other symptoms | Fever, chills, trouble breathing, fever or trouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, abdominal pain, kidney stones, nausea, constipation |
| Other causes of coughing | Common cold, flu, COVID-19, allergies, sinus infection, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer, hypercalcemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
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Muscle strain in the rib cage
Coughing can cause muscle strain in the rib cage, which is called intercostal muscle strain. Intercostal muscles are the muscles that lie between the ribs, attaching them to one another and helping to stabilise the upper body and aid breathing. Intercostal muscle strain can occur when these muscles are stretched, pulled, or partially torn. This can happen through activities such as lifting, twisting, or being hit in the rib cage.
Symptoms of intercostal muscle strain include sharp pain, stiffness, and difficulty breathing. The pain may get worse when twisting, stretching, or breathing in deeply, and the area of the strain will be sore to the touch. There may also be swelling between and around the affected ribs.
If you think you have strained the muscles in your rib cage, you should see a doctor. They can identify which muscle has been strained and rule out other injuries or conditions. In the meantime, you can try applying a cream or gel formulated to treat muscle pain to your chest, or taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain relievers. After the first 48 hours, you may want to start applying heat to help relax the muscles.
Intercostal muscle strain usually heals within a few days to weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. To prevent future muscle strains, it is important to warm up and stretch before strenuous exercises and to keep muscles strong.
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Lower back pain
When you cough, your body engages your core muscles, which support your posture, balance, and movement. This can place a tremendous amount of stress on vulnerable areas in your spine and surrounding spinal muscles and ligaments, leading to a temporary injury such as a muscle strain or pulled muscle. The pain can become more intense with certain positions or activities, including coughing. You may also experience back stiffness, muscle spasms, or muscle tenderness.
To relieve lower back pain caused by coughing, you can try various home remedies and lifestyle changes. This includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), applying a cloth-covered ice or heat pack to the affected area, and engaging in low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming. Strengthening your core muscles through physical rehabilitation can also help mitigate back pain and prevent future injuries. Additionally, you can try alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic adjustments to address the root cause of your pain.
If your lower back pain persists or interferes with your daily life, it is important to seek medical help. Your doctor may recommend advanced imaging, such as an MRI, or pain management injections. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to repair any underlying issues, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
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Chest pain
Hard coughing can cause chest pain due to muscle strain. The pain may be stabbing or throbbing, and it can range from very mild to unbearable. It usually peaks during a cough and then gets better between coughs. The act of coughing can cause your upper body to move and lean forward, straining the muscles in your chest, back, abdomen, and stomach or abdominal region.
If you feel a sharp pain or hear a cracking or popping sound when you cough, you may have pulled or strained one of the muscles in your rib cage, called intercostal muscles. The soreness or pain you feel in your stomach from coughing is similar to that caused by hard laughter or a sneeze.
In addition to muscle strain, chest pain when coughing can also be a sign of pleurisy, pneumonia, asthma, or other serious conditions. Pleurisy is the inflammation of the pleural tissue, which covers the outside of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause your airways to fill up with fluid and can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, with symptoms usually worse in the morning and at night.
If you are experiencing chest pain when coughing, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Lung cancer
Coughing hard can cause muscle pain, especially in the chest, back, and abdomen. This is usually due to muscle strain, which can be extremely painful and worsen with every cough. However, it can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or lung cancer.
Pancoast tumours, a rare type of lung cancer that develops in the upper part of the lungs, can cause severe shoulder pain. They may also lead to a collection of symptoms known as Horner's syndrome, which includes eye problems such as a smaller pupil, a drooping eyelid, and reduced perspiration on one side of the face. In addition, Pancoast tumours can press on the superior vena cava (SVC), causing blood to back up in the veins and leading to swelling in the face, neck, arms, and upper chest.
Paraneoplastic syndrome, which is more common in small cell lung cancer, occurs when lung cancer cells produce hormones that enter the bloodstream and affect distant organs. This can lead to conditions such as Lambert-Eaton syndrome, where the immune system attacks the neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscle weakness and issues with walking, speaking, and swallowing. Another condition is paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, caused by various cancers, including small cell lung cancer.
It is important to note that lung cancer does not always cause symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, if you notice any symptoms or changes, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
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Muscle fatigue
In some cases, muscle fatigue may be a sign of a more severe disorder. If left untreated, it can lead to overwork and an increased risk of injury. Therefore, it is crucial not to self-diagnose. If muscle fatigue persists or is accompanied by other irregular symptoms, scheduling a doctor's visit is recommended.
Coughing intensely or for prolonged periods can exhaust the muscles in the chest, back, and abdomen, leading to soreness or pain. This pain typically peaks during a cough and then subsides afterward. It can be challenging to distinguish muscle pain from other types of pain, such as an inflamed lung. Conditions like pneumonia, asthma, or pleurisy may also cause chest pain when coughing.
If you experience lower back pain when coughing, it could be due to various factors, including disk herniation, muscle strain, or spinal stenosis. Coughing can cause a slight forward lean, putting stress on the lower back and potentially displacing vertebrae. Additionally, coughing associated with pneumonia can strain back muscles, resulting in pain.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hard coughing can cause muscle pain. The act of coughing can strain your back, abdominal muscles, and intercostal muscles in your rib cage. It can also worsen existing back pain.
Muscle pain caused by coughing can be treated with creams or gels formulated to treat muscle pain. Applying a cloth-covered ice pack or taking a hot bath or shower can also help to ease the pain.
If you experience sharp pain or hear a cracking or popping sound when you cough, see a doctor. If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek medical attention as these could be symptoms of pneumonia.
