What causes lower back pain after recovering from a COVID-19 infection?
Jan 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, lower back pain following recovery from a novel coronavirus infection may be caused by prolonged bed rest or sitting, poor body posture, lumbar muscle strain, lumbar spine infection, lumbar disc herniation, or other reasons. Symptomatic management through general measures, medication, and other treatments is required. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.
Generally, lower back pain after recovery from a novel coronavirus infection may be caused by prolonged bed rest or sitting, poor body posture, lumbar muscle strain, lumbar spine infection, lumbar disc herniation, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general measures, medications, and other treatments is usually required. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Prolonged Bed Rest or Sitting
During the recovery period after a novel coronavirus infection, patients may remain in bed or maintain a seated position for extended periods due to physical weakness. This can keep the lower back muscles in a fixed state for too long, leading to muscle fatigue and stiffness, which may result in lower back pain. It is recommended to gradually increase physical activity and perform simple lower back stretching exercises to relieve muscle tension.
2. Poor Body Posture
Due to physical discomfort during recovery, individuals may unconsciously adopt postures such as bending forward or slouching. Such poor posture alters the spine’s normal physiological curvature, causing excessive stretching or compression of lower back muscles, ligaments, and other tissues, thus triggering back pain. Using a lumbar support brace is recommended to help maintain correct posture and reduce pressure on the lower back.
3. Lumbar Muscle Strain
Lumbar muscle strain refers to chronic inflammatory changes in the lower back muscles. After a COVID-19 infection, the body requires time to recover, and the strength of the lumbar muscles may decrease. Engaging in inappropriate activities during recovery can easily lead to muscle strain and cause lower back pain. Patients may take medications such as celecoxib capsules or loxoprofen sodium tablets under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Lumbar Spine Infection
Novel coronavirus infection may reduce immunity, making it easier for pathogens such as bacteria or fungi to invade the lumbar spine region. Lumbar spine infection causes local inflammation and lower back pain, and may also present systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. Treatment with medications such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection or ceftriaxone sodium for injection should be conducted under medical supervision.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation
Novel coronavirus infection may trigger systemic inflammatory responses that affect tissues surrounding the lumbar discs. Lumbar disc herniation involves degenerative changes in parts of the lumbar spine and leads to a series of symptoms, including lower back pain. Patients may take medications such as meloxicam capsules or lornoxicam dispersible tablets under a doctor’s direction.
In daily life, it is important to avoid cold exposure and ensure proper warmth for the lower back. Appropriate exercise can help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation, allow muscles adequate rest, and prevent the lower back from becoming cold or damp.
