back pain when coughing

im suffering from back pain now for 3 weeks already. when i cough my upper back is aching and also when i take a deep breath. i  don't cough really hard, i only cough when i take deep breath and that also my upper back ache. does my back pain is related with the coughing? do i need to go to my doctor already? my back pain is getting worst especially when i try to lift heavy things. does this mean there's something wrong with my lungs? do i need to have an x-ray? what should i do in order to make the pain away? pls. help. thanks

[bsmsl]

Hello,

You do need to have the chronic cough evaluated by a doctor.  I coughing lasting longer than 2 weeks is not normal and needs to be treated.  

As for the back pain - talk to your doctor about that as well.  There could be several causes which would include bruised rib, dislocated rib, broken rib or other interanl damage from the cough.  I dislocate a rib with a severe cough.  There are other potential causes of the pain and a docotr would have to evelaute the real cause.
Take care and feel better.  I know your pain.