By\u00a0: Claire Gillespie<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Muscle and body aches are listed as one of the main COVID-19 symptoms, but back pain is not specifically listed.1<\/sup> Research has found that back pain affects people who contract the virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID. A study published in 2022 found that 20% of 828 people reported having low back pain while sick with COVID.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n COVID back pain may be a symptom of an active COVID infection, or it can be part of long COVID. Here’s what you need to know about back pain, including how to tell if it’s related to COVID, how to get relief, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can COVID Cause Laryngitis?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n COVID can cause back pain<\/a>. This is not an uncommon experience when your body fights off any viral infection. You may experience muscle aches and pains with COVID due to your body’s natural inflammatory response when a virus invades it.3<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain has been reported as one of the most common symptoms of COVID. A study published in 2022 indicated that MSK symptoms occurred in 36% of cases. MSK is the third-most reported symptom after fever and coughing.4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Long COVID<\/a> refers to COVID-related effects that last beyond or begin after an initial infection has resolved. This condition may result in back pain as joint or muscle pain anywhere in the body.5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-term effects of COVID mostly occur among people who experience severe symptoms. Long COVID can also persist among people who have mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all.5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Research has found that muscle aches are the second most common symptom of long COVID. A study published in 2020 found that 88% of 201 young, low-risk people in the U.K. reported muscle aches four months after their initial COVID symptoms.6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n A review published in 2022 explored MSK pain symptoms as part of long COVID. The analysis of 35 studies revealed that MSK pain was a common long-term COVID symptom and included back pain. Reports of back pain as part of long COVID reduced as time progressed: People reported having less back pain beyond six months.7<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s possible your back pain could be related to COVID<\/a> if you have other symptoms. COVID sometimes doesn’t present with any symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to get tested for COVID.8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n If COVID test results are consistently negative, something else might be responsible for your back pain. Back pain could be the result of:9<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, like ibuprofen<\/a>, may relieve back pain. Applying heat or ice to painful areas may also be helpful. Start with ice and then use heat.10<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Other home remedies for general back pain may include:11<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact a healthcare provider if you have severe, persistent, uncomfortable back pain. Let them know if you have a history of previous back pain or if you have back pain after a severe blow or fall.12<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll also want to talk to a healthcare provider for the following related to back pain:10<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n MedlinePlus. Low back pain – acute<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek immediate medical care for any of the COVID warning signs, which include:1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Long COVID and Back Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Tell if Your Back Pain Is Due to COVID-19<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other Conditions That Cause Back Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Home Remedies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When To Contact a Healthcare Provider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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