Can Severe Sneezing Cause Pain In Back And Rib Cage?

Posted on Sun, 6 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 6 Jul 2014 Answered on

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Severe sneezing-can it cause pain in back and rib cage

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes severe sneezing can cause pain in the back and

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Yes severe sneezing can cause pain in the back and rib cage.

This is because with the force of sneezing, the muscles of the thoracic cage may contract violently which may result in tearing of some muscles fibres and other connective tissue which can cause severe pain.

At times, a rib may even crack and cause severe pain. this is called cough fracture.

You may take some pain killer and take rest. But more important is why you are having severe sneezing. You must attend to that first.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj