Lower back pain can sometimes accompany illness, a common and often temporary occurrence. This discomfort, while unpleasant, typically resolves as the underlying sickness improves. Understanding the connection between general unwellness and back discomfort can help manage symptoms effectively.
Illnesses Linked to Back Pain
Several common illnesses can lead to lower back pain. Influenza (the flu) frequently causes widespread muscle aches, including in the lower back, as the body’s immune response releases inflammatory chemicals. The common cold, while less likely to cause specific back pain, can still contribute to general muscle tension or discomfort, especially with persistent coughing.
Respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia can also lead to back pain. Forceful or prolonged coughing associated with these conditions strains muscles in the chest and back, potentially causing soreness or spasms in the lumbar region. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can even cause pain in the middle or lower back due to inflammation extending to the muscles and nerves around the lungs. Additionally, kidney infections (pyelonephritis) are a significant cause of lower back pain during illness. This pain is typically felt in the flank area, between the lower ribs and hips, and can be accompanied by fever and painful urination. COVID-19 can also cause back pain, often presenting as muscle and body aches, and may occur in the early stages of the disease.
How Sickness Contributes to Back Pain
The body’s response to infection involves several mechanisms that can lead to back pain. When fighting illness, the immune system releases inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines, which can cause widespread muscle inflammation and soreness, including in the lower back. This systemic inflammation can heighten pain sensitivity, making existing back pain more noticeable or creating new discomfort.
Muscle strain from coughing or sneezing also plays a role in back pain during illness. Frequent and forceful coughing places significant pressure on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back, potentially leading to soreness or spasms. Fever can increase muscle sensitivity, contributing to general body aches and soreness in areas like the lower back. Poor posture adopted while resting due to illness can also strain the lumbar area, adding to the discomfort.
Signs That Warrant Medical Attention
While back pain with illness is often benign, certain “red flag” symptoms indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate medical evaluation. A high fever combined with severe back pain, especially if it appears suddenly, warrants urgent attention. This combination can suggest a severe infection, such as a kidney infection, which may also present with chills, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine.
Back pain accompanied by difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or a foul odor from urine could signal a kidney infection or other urinary tract issue. Numbness or weakness in the legs, or pain that travels down the leg, might indicate nerve involvement and should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Any back pain that worsens significantly, does not improve as other illness symptoms subside, or prevents normal daily activities should prompt a medical consultation to rule out more serious causes.
Relieving Back Pain While Sick
Managing mild to moderate lower back pain while sick typically involves several home-based strategies. Rest is fundamental, allowing the body to conserve energy and recover from the illness, which in turn helps alleviate muscle aches. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve muscle soreness.
Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can also provide relief. Heat therapy, such as a warm bath or heating pad, can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow, while cold packs can help reduce inflammation. Gentle stretching exercises, performed carefully and without exacerbating pain, can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the lower back. Maintaining adequate hydration is important, as dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and discomfort. These measures are intended for general discomfort and should not replace medical advice if more serious symptoms are present.