How Does COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?

Written By Saif
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Adnan Maqsood
does covid cause back pain

Are you waking up to persistent back pain and wondering if COVID-19 might be the reason behind it? Is your back pain a sign of COVID-19?

Back pain during COVID-19 isn’t your everyday ache. It stays longer, sometimes feels dull pain, and does not disappear easily.

But fear not! We will uncover the link between COVID-19 and back pain and what you can do about it. We will also discover the different types of treatment used for back pain. 

Let’s navigate through the different symptoms of COVID and uncover the truth about whether back pain is caused by COVID or not. 

Can COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?

Yes, COVID-19 can cause back pain along with a wide range of symptoms. Whenever viruses enter the body, the immune system releases inflammatory substances to fight the infection. The inflammation caused by this response can lead to symptoms like muscle aches and pain. 

However, back pain alone does not indicate COVID-19, as it can be caused by other factors, such as poor posture, muscle pull, or other medical conditions. 

If you’re experiencing lower back pain along with other symptoms like cough, fever, and loss of smell or taste, you need to consult a healthcare professional immediately. 

Why Does COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?

A viral infection like COVID-19 can cause muscle pain and worsen muscle tension. Although there is limited evidence, it has been concluded that back pain from COVID stems from whole-body aches.

The SARS-COV-2 virus is well-known to affect different muscles in the body. The virus enters the cells through an enzyme called ACE2, which is found in different muscles. 

As the virus replicates within the body, it triggers many symptoms, with back pain among them. 

Additionally, as COVID-19 causes systemic inflammation, it can also manifest as pain in different parts of the body, including lower back pain.  

Some Other Potential Causes Of Back Pain Other Than COVID

It is important to note that having back pain does not mean you have COVID; back pain can be caused by other factors as well.

People can experience back pain for many reasons, such as

  • Injury or fracture
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Chronic illness, such as arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • Osteoporosis

What Can You Do About Lower Back Pain At Home?

By following these steps, you cannot only reduce lower back pain symptoms at home but also prevent future back problems by maintaining some healthy habits like exercise.

1. OTC Pain Medication 

Medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce back pain and relieve other symptoms, such as fever and fatigue. 

While OTC medicines can only provide temporary relief, they are not used for the long term, so if you feel that your back pain is still not improving, it is important to go to a healthcare professional for further evaluation. 

2. Maintain a Good Posture

If you have persistent back pain, focusing on the right posture while prolonged sitting or sleeping is very important. 

Find a comfortable posture that relieves your back pain, for example, by lying on your back with a pillow under your knees, or try sleeping in a different position.

3. Take an Ample Amount of Rest

Getting proper rest is very important for back pain in COVID. It allows your muscles to relax and reduce the pain.

Also, avoid prolonged periods of inactivity as this can lead to stiffness, so stay mindful of maintaining mobility to support your recovery from back pain.

4. Exercise 

By focusing on low-impact activities, patients can manage their back pain effectively. It is important to choose exercises that are not forceful or that require more physical effort. These exercises also help with blood circulation and promote flexibility. 

Some exercises that a patient can do in COVID to relieve pain are cycling, jogging and walking. By making these exercises a regular habit, patients can reduce their back pain and prevent it in the future. 

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider?

You can contact a healthcare professional if you are experiencing severe and persistent back pain.

You need to contact a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms along with back pain.

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Inability to stay awake 
  • Burning or blood with urination
  • History of cancer

Convenient Solutions for Back Pain at Family Urgent Care

Family Urgent Care offers comprehensive testing services for COVID-19, and we ensure patients visiting our clinic get complete relief from back pain. 

Experienced healthcare providers evaluate your symptoms and take your medical history to identify the root cause of back pain.

We also offer ongoing symptom monitoring and follow-up to track your recovery process and adjust the treatment according to the condition.

If the symptoms are getting severe, then we refer the patient to the specialist for further evaluation and to address the underlying cause of the disease. 

So it is time to experience back pain relief! Visit Family Urgent Care for specialized care by booking your appointment now.

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