Think Twice Before Holding Back a Sneeze A rare case of a neck injury was docuented in the medical journal BMJ Case Reports on Monday. An unnamed 34-year-old man heard a pop in his neck after holding his nostrils together to prevent a sneeze. Once evaluated, doctors concluded it caused a hole created by air bubbles to form in his throat. A sneeze propels at forces up to 100 mph, so containing one can cause issues like sinus problems, middle and inner ear trauma, and even rupture your eardrum. Dr. Adam M. Klein (CNN) No tissue? Klein recommends sneezing in the crook of your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.