Differential Diagnosis for Back Pain Radiating to the Front with Cough
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is often the most common cause of back pain that can radiate to the front, especially if it worsens with coughing. The strain could be due to overuse, poor posture, or direct injury to the muscles or ligaments in the back.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia or lung infection: Infections in the lung can cause pleuritic chest pain that radiates to the back and worsens with coughing due to the inflammation of the pleura.
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of back pain that radiates to the front, especially if the embolism is large and affects the lung's pleural surface, leading to pain that worsens with coughing.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause chest pain that may radiate to the back and can worsen with coughing due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic dissection: A life-threatening condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears, causing severe pain that can radiate from the back to the front and can be exacerbated by coughing due to increased blood pressure.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden, severe chest pain that radiates to the back and worsens with coughing or deep breathing.
- Esophageal rupture: A rare but serious condition where the esophagus tears, leading to severe chest pain that can radiate to the back and worsen with coughing or movement.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and can worsen with coughing due to the proximity of the pancreas to the diaphragm and the resulting referred pain.
- Boerhaave's syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, leading to severe chest pain that can radiate to the back and worsen with coughing or movement.
- Spinal tumors or infections: Although rare, tumors or infections affecting the spine can cause back pain that radiates to the front and can worsen with coughing due to the mechanical stress on the spine.