If you’ve ever experienced really painful lower back pain and you just can’t hold back a sneeze or a cough….hang on because you’re about to drop to your knees in pain.

That’s no exaggeration.

If your lower back hurts when sneezing, then the chances are the problem will be related to nerves as they emerge from a previous back injury or structural abnormality. The discs, which separate each of the backbones or vertebrae, can push out or prolapse, putting pressure on the spinal cord. Any sudden movement can cause pain, thus the lower back hurts when sneezing. Kind of like a really bad toothache that occurs when you bite down wrong and touch the nerve sending you into screaming mode.

Coughing and sneezing can take a toll on your sore low back. Rapid trunk flexion and forceful abdominal pressure, which are common during a violent coughing spell or sneeze, can actually herniate a weakened spinal disc. Positioning your back before you cough or sneeze may protect your back from pain and further injury.

Just before you cough or sneeze, lean back slightly while placing one hand behind your back for support. At the very moment you cough or sneeze, bend your knees slightly. Another way is to place your back against a wall or door jamb as a way to keep your back straight so it doesn’t lurch forward when you cough or sneeze. And sneeze or cough “upward” which relieves pressure on your lower spine and back.

A forceful cough or sneeze can cause low back pain to flare up. It can also put a weakened disc at risk of injury. Take a few seconds to position your back before coughing or sneezing.

Follow the advice of your doctor and therapist for best results.