HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is A Sharp Stabbing Pain In My Back When I Sneeze?

default
Posted on Thu, 6 Mar 2014
Question: I keep getting a cramp type in top left side of my back occasionally when I sneeze, breathe cough it's quite a sharp stabbing pain I've had a X-ray and chest n lungs all clear
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Prolapse of the disc Detailed Answer: Hi You are giving a typical picture of a intervertebral disc bulge whenever you cough or sneeze. The disc is pushing out the ligaments that it is contained with in. The disc bulge is impinging on the nerves that pass through that part of the spine. These nerves will supply the muscles around that part of the back causing a spasm / cramp. This disc would most often gets back into its place in young people. However in people who have recurrences you need to get an MRI of the spine after careful examination by the spine surgeon. Hope this helps you taking the next step by asking your GP for a referral to spine surgeon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2242 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Is A Sharp Stabbing Pain In My Back When I Sneeze?

Brief Answer: Prolapse of the disc Detailed Answer: Hi You are giving a typical picture of a intervertebral disc bulge whenever you cough or sneeze. The disc is pushing out the ligaments that it is contained with in. The disc bulge is impinging on the nerves that pass through that part of the spine. These nerves will supply the muscles around that part of the back causing a spasm / cramp. This disc would most often gets back into its place in young people. However in people who have recurrences you need to get an MRI of the spine after careful examination by the spine surgeon. Hope this helps you taking the next step by asking your GP for a referral to spine surgeon.