Can coughing cause back pain?

I just recovered from a severe dry cough last week, and my lower back was aching so badly from the constant jerking. Warm compresses and sleeping with a pillow under my knees helped my back muscles recover. It goes away once the cough stops.

According to my doctor, coughing violently causes sudden contraction of the abdominal and back muscles, which can lead to a muscle spasm or strain. In rare cases, it can even irritate a herniated disc, so if the pain is shooting down your leg, get it checked.

I was reading about this because my dad has a bad cough and back pain. Apparently, coughing increases intra-abdominal pressure which strains the spinal muscles. It is super common but definitely uncomfortable.

At my age, even a hard sneeze can strain the back! Coughing violently definitely pulls the delicate back muscles. Just drink warm ginger water to soothe the throat and apply a warm heating pad to your back, you will feel much better.

Yes, it can. Coughing shakes your entire upper body, so straining a back muscle is very common. Apply some pain relief gel, use a hot water bag, and if it doesn't get better in 3-4 days, go see a doctor.