Low back pain, low-grade fever, and general weakness
Aug 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, lower back pain, low-grade fever, and general weakness may be caused by conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, central nervous system infections, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney deficiency, or tuberculosis. Appropriate symptomatic treatment is required. Additionally, these symptoms could also result from diseases such as brucellosis, pneumonia, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical attention at a hospital when experiencing discomfort to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Generally, lower back pain, low-grade fever, and general weakness may be caused by conditions such as upper respiratory tract infection, central nervous system infection, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney deficiency, or pulmonary tuberculosis, among others, and require symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
If poor lifestyle habits—such as staying up late, exposure to cold, or excessive alcohol consumption—persist over time, they can reduce the body's immunity and lead to upper respiratory tract infections. Symptoms may include low-grade fever and general weakness. If the condition affects the lower back, it may cause aching pain in that area. Treatment may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules, used according to medical advice.
2. Central Nervous System Infection
Common clinical manifestations of central nervous system infections include low-grade fever and general weakness. If inflammation spreads to the lower back region, it may also cause lower back pain. Adequate rest is recommended, and anti-infective medications such as acyclovir tablets or ceftazidime for injection may be used under medical guidance.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
This condition is often associated with genetic, dietary, and environmental factors. It can trigger aseptic inflammation, leading to low-grade fever. Prolonged low-grade fever may result in general weakness. When inflammatory processes affect the joints in the lower back, back pain may occur. Anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory analgesic treatments, such as methotrexate tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, may be prescribed under medical supervision.
4. Kidney Deficiency
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney and "life gate" (mingmen) share the same vital energy and serve as the pivot for the balance of yin and yang in the body. Therefore, various types of kidney deficiency often manifest symptoms such as general weakness, soreness and pain in the lower back and spine, and sometimes prolonged low-grade fever. Patients may use medications such as Yougui capsules or Compound Xuanju capsules as directed by a physician.
5. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which invades lung tissue and causes inflammation, resulting in low-grade fever. Persistent low-grade fever consumes bodily energy, leading to general weakness. Maintaining the same posture for long periods, especially if it compresses tissues in the lower back, may cause back pain. Anti-tuberculosis treatment with medications such as rifampicin tablets or ethambutol hydrochloride tablets should be administered as prescribed.
Besides the above, these symptoms may also be caused by diseases such as brucellosis, pneumonia, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital upon experiencing discomfort to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
