What should I do if my back hurts every time I sneeze?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Back pain when sneezing is often caused by muscle strain, a herniated disc, or increased spinal pressure that irritates nearby nerves. In some cases, it may signal a more serious issue such as a spinal injury or underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Because the causes range from minor to serious, identifying the source of your pain early is key to getting the right treatment and preventing complications. A quick, guided assessment can help you understand your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to clarify what may be causing your back pain and help you decide whether to see a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing your back pain sneezing Discover if back pain and sneezing signal something serious See whether your symptoms need urgent care Find OTC relief for back pain and sneezing Find a doctor for back pain and sneezing Explore home remedies for back pain and sneezing Find out if it could be a slipped disc

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Explanation

When you sneeze, your body experiences a sudden movement that can strain muscles, especially in the back. This can cause pain, which might be a simple muscle strain or something more serious.

Possible Causes:

Muscle Strain: Sneezing can put pressure on the muscles in your back, leading to discomfort.
Spinal Issues: Rarely, sneezing can be linked to spinal problems, such as a spinal epidural hematoma, which is a collection of blood that can press on the spinal cord.

What to Do:

Rest: Try resting and avoiding activities that make the pain worse.
See a Doctor: If the pain is severe, doesn't go away, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.

To better understand what might be causing your back pain when sneezing, try our free symptom checker to get personalized insights and guidance on your next steps.

(References)

Setzen S, & Platt M. (2019). The Dangers of Sneezing: A Review of Injuries. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 30616365.
Štětkářová I, Jelínková L, Janík V, & Peisker T. (2014). Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma after abrupt .... The American journal of emergency medicine, 24857250.
Reinhold GW, Melonakos TK, & Lyman DT. (2017). A Near Fatal Sneeze Spontaneous Splenic Rupture. Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine, 29849293.

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