It is a common experience to have back pain when feeling unwell. This discomfort is a real phenomenon many individuals encounter during various illnesses. It arises from specific physiological responses within the body.
How Your Immune System Causes Aches
When the body encounters an infection, the immune system initiates a defense mechanism that can result in widespread pain, including in the back. This process involves the release of signaling proteins called cytokines. These inflammatory chemicals coordinate the immune response and communicate with the brain and spinal cord.
Cytokines sensitize pain receptors throughout the body, leading to general body aches and muscle pain, a condition known as myalgia. This systemic inflammation affects muscles and joints throughout the body, including the spinal column. The intensity of these aches relates to how vigorously the body fights the illness.
Inflammation from the immune response can cause tissues to swell, pressing against nerve endings and muscles, intensifying pain. For individuals with pre-existing back conditions, this increased inflammation can exacerbate discomfort. The body’s natural defensive actions, while beneficial, can contribute to feeling achy and sore, including in the back.
The Physical Toll of Being Sick
Beyond the immune system’s direct effects, several physical factors contribute to back pain during illness. Actions like coughing, sneezing, or vomiting can place strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back. Persistent coughing can lead to muscle spasms and tension in the lumbar area (lower back).
Prolonged lying down or inactivity during illness can lead to muscle stiffness and deconditioning. This lack of movement can reduce the flexibility and support typically provided by back muscles, contributing to discomfort. Dehydration, common during illness due to fever, sweating, or reduced fluid intake, can negatively affect muscle function and spinal health, leading to cramps and pain.
General fatigue and weakness accompanying illness can also lead to poor posture and increased muscle tension. A tired body may not maintain optimal alignment, putting additional stress on the back. These physical factors, common during illness, independently contribute to back pain.
Illnesses Where Back Pain is Common
Back pain can be a common symptom across several illnesses due to the body’s systemic response to infection. The flu (influenza) is frequently associated with muscle aches and back pain, primarily due to widespread inflammation triggered by the immune system fighting the viral infection. These aches are a distinguishing feature between the flu and a common cold.
Common colds can also cause back pain, often stemming from persistent coughing that strains the muscles in the lower back. While colds typically present milder symptoms than the flu, the mechanical stress of coughing can still induce significant back discomfort.
Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) frequently cause back pain, usually in the flank or lower back, due to kidney inflammation. This pain is often accompanied by fever, chills, and urinary symptoms, indicating a more localized issue. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can also lead to back pain, particularly if severe coughing strains chest and back muscles. Less commonly, meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can present with severe back pain and a stiff neck, which are indicators of this serious condition.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While back pain during illness is often a temporary symptom of the body fighting infection, certain signs indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt medical evaluation. Severe, sudden, or progressively worsening back pain that is not relieved by rest should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Pain accompanied by a high fever and chills, or by new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, warrants immediate attention. These neurological symptoms can suggest nerve involvement or a more serious spinal issue. Loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain is a medical emergency requiring urgent assessment.
Additionally, back pain that occurs after an injury, or pain that does not improve as other sickness symptoms resolve, should be evaluated. Consulting a healthcare professional for persistent or concerning symptoms ensures proper diagnosis and timely intervention, preventing potential complications.