In this article, we describe the link between Covid-19 and back pain and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
What is Covid-19?
Coronaviruses are a highly diverse group of single-stranded RNA viruses that can affect multiple body systems, including the respiratory, nervous, and circulatory systems. Covid-19, caused by the novel coronavirus (nCOV), was first identified in January 2020 in Wuhan, China. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals. The incubation period is typically around five days, with most symptoms appearing within 12 days of exposure, which is why a 14-day quarantine is recommended for those exposed to the virus.1
Covid-19 severity ranges from mild to critical. Laboratory diagnosis is most reliable via PCR testing of nasal secretions. Treatment is largely symptomatic, with antivirals (e.g., oseltamivir, ribavirin, lopinavir) used to reduce viral load and respiratory complications. Severe cases may require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Preventive measures, including social distancing and quarantine, remain essential to control the spread.
Common Symptoms of Covid-19
Covid-19 affects people differently, with some experiencing no symptoms and others developing severe illness. The most common symptoms include:
- Body aches and muscle pain (myalgia)3
- Stuffy nose
- Loss of taste and smell
- Fatigue and muscle spasms
- Shortness of breath (SOB)
- Headaches and fever
- Sore throat
The physical and mental health impact of Covid-19 is significant, with many individuals experiencing symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial infection.2
The Onset of Covid and Back Pain
Many people develop Covid-19 symptoms that persist for weeks or months, known as “long Covid.” Both young and elderly individuals can experience long-term symptoms, often due to tissue damage or ongoing inflammation. Chronic fatigue, muscle aches, and lower back pain are commonly reported. Joint and musculoskeletal pain can occur anywhere but often results in chronic back pain.
Inactivity during illness can worsen joint pain and backaches. Balancing rest and gentle activity can help, but persistent or worsening pain should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Physical therapy is often recommended to reduce muscle pain and joint stiffness in long Covid patients.
Covid-19 Pandemic and Societal Stress
The pandemic has created a global emergency, resulting in widespread anxiety and stress with both physical and mental health consequences.4 Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to psychological stress due to their frontline roles and ethical challenges. Social isolation, media coverage, and fear of infection contribute to increased anxiety and stress disorders.
Other Complications Associated with Covid-19
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
In children, SARS-CoV-2 infection is often mild or asymptomatic, but it can overlap with conditions like Kawasaki disease and autoimmune disorders.5 Recognizing both typical and atypical symptoms in pediatric patients is crucial to prevent morbidity.6
Long Covid and Back Pain
Long Covid, or post-Covid syndrome, affects some people for months after recovery. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and persistent back pain. Studies suggest that those with a history of anxiety or antidepressant use are more likely to develop long Covid. Females may be at higher risk, but more research is needed. Rehabilitation, including light aerobic exercise and psychological support, is important for recovery.
Omicron Variant
The Omicron variant is highly mutated and more transmissible than previous strains.8 Back pain has emerged as a common symptom of Omicron, often accompanied by sore throat and cough.7 However, back pain alone is not diagnostic for Covid-19 and should be confirmed with appropriate testing. Omicron’s increased infectivity and immune evasion have made it a global concern.
Management of Covid Back Pain
Covid-19 can cause intense body and back pain due to both viral effects and pandemic-related stress.9 Managing back pain, especially in long Covid, can be challenging. Here are evidence-based recommendations:
Pain Medications
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are safe for most Covid-19 patients. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) remains the safest option for pain and fever relief. Corticosteroids like dexamethasone are used in severe cases for their anti-inflammatory effects but should be prescribed by a doctor.
Home Remedies
Simple measures such as rest, cold or heat therapy, gentle stretching, and maintaining good posture can help relieve back pain. Compression and elevation may also be beneficial.
Physical Therapy
For persistent or severe back pain, physical therapy and chiropractic care can improve mobility and muscle strength. The CDC and NHS recommend pain medications as first-line treatment, but physical therapy is crucial for long-term recovery.
Prolotherapy: An Advanced Treatment for Back Pain
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat back pain. Published research has demonstrated its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are essential for repairing tissue damage and supporting back health.
As prolotherapy addresses the root cause of back pain, it is considered a permanent solution, preventing symptoms from returning.
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Don’t let back pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating back pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with back pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What organs are most affected by Covid-19?
The lungs are the most affected organs during Covid-19, as the virus primarily targets and damages lung tissue.
How long should a patient exercise during quarantine?
According to the WHO, patients are recommended to engage in 70 to 150 minutes of physical activity during quarantine to maintain health and reduce complications.
What age group is more vulnerable to Covid-19?
Older adults are more vulnerable to Covid-19 due to weakened immunity and the presence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
References
- He, Feng, et al. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What We Know?” Journal of Medical Virology, vol. 92, no. 7, 14 Mar. 2020, pp. 719–725, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32170865, 10.1002/jmv.25766.
- Tsamakis, Konstantinos, et al. “COVID‑19 Related Stress Exacerbates Common Physical and Mental Pathologies and Affects Treatment (Review).” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 22 Apr. 2020, 10.3892/etm.2020.8671.
- Kucuk, Adem, et al. “Can COVID-19 Cause Myalgia with a Completely Different Mechanism? A Hypothesis.” Clinical Rheumatology, vol. 39, no. 7, 26 May 2020, pp. 2103–2104, 10.1007/s10067-020-05178-1.
- Serrano‐Ibáñez, Elena R., et al. “Chronic Pain in the Time of COVID‐19: Stress Aftermath and Central Sensitization.” British Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 26, no. 2, 25 Oct. 2020, pp. 544–552, 10.1111/bjhp.12483.
- Consiglio, C. R., et al. “The Immunology of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children with COVID-19.” Cell, 183(4), 968-981.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.09.016
- Toraih, E. A., et al. “Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in pediatric COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis.” World Journal of Pediatrics, 17(2), 141–151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-021-00419-y
- Tsamakis, K., et al. “COVID-19-related stress exacerbates common physical and mental pathologies and affects treatment (Review).” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.8671
- Iqbal, Fahad M., et al. “Characteristics and Predictors of Acute and Chronic Post-COVID Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” EClinicalMedicine, vol. 36, June 2021, p. 100899, 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100899.
- Tian, Dandan, et al. “The Emergence and Epidemic Characteristics of the Highly Mutated SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron Variant.” Journal of Medical Virology, 3 Feb. 2022, 10.1002/jmv.27643.
- Drożdżal, Sylwester, et al. “COVID-19: Pain Management in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection—Molecular Mechanisms, Challenges, and Perspectives.” Brain Sciences, vol. 10, no. 7, 20 July 2020, p. 465, 10.3390/brainsci10070465.