The flu may be going around—but this isn’t any old illness. In certain instances, severe back pain with an accompanying fever or numbness or tingling in your arms can be from a spinal infection, points out Dr. Tien. Some risk factors are if you’re immunosuppressed, have cancer or diabetes, or are obese.
What is upper back pain and what can cause it?
When the upper back becomes painful, it is mostly likely due to an injury that has resulted in muscular irritation or joint dysfunction. Some of the more common causes of upper back pain are: Strains in the muscles of the upper back pain are one common cause of pain. Learn more: Upper Back Pain from Intercostal Muscle Strain Poor posture.
Can the flu cause severe lower back pain?
While inflammation serves a purpose, it is painful. This, combined with the fact that the flu virus attacks nerve endings, leaves you with a ripe situation for aches and pains. These are often felt in the arms and legs, but can also be expected in the lower back. Another flu symptom that can cause severe back pain is dehydration.
What are the early flu symptoms?
Early in his investigation ... Birds with respiratory illness exhibit many of the same symptoms caused by flu and pneumonia in people, including sneezing, coughing, headache, fever, diarrhea and weight loss, which makes it all too easy to imagine how ...
Is upper back pain a heart attack sign?
Upper back pain can be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. Maybe you spent a little extra time doing yardwork over the weekend, or perhaps you moved some furniture into storage. Now your back hurts. But could it be something else?
Does flu cause upper back pain?
Body aches and chills are also common flu symptoms. If you're coming down with the flu virus, you may mistakenly blame body aches on something else, such as a recent workout. Body aches can manifest anywhere in the body, especially in the head, back, and legs.
Why does my upper back hurt when I have a cold?
Bronchitis and pneumonia – Difficulty breathing is often either caused by or leads to inflammation and coughing, both of which agitate back muscles and lead to upper and lower back pain.
Why does my upper back hurt when sick?
Why Do I Experience Back Pain When I Have a Virus? Back pain is caused by your body's immune system, which, when fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses, becomes inflamed. This can cause a hot, painful feeling in all areas of the back.
How do you get rid of back pain from the flu?
Try these remedies:Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to reduce fever and muscle aches. ... Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth or sports drinks.Rest as needed or change some of your activities, depending on your symptoms.
What does Covid back pain feel like?
This back pain has been described by some as intense period cramps, kidney stones or muscle spasms.
When should I worry about upper back pain?
Back pain that persists after 4-6 weeks. Severe back pain that does not go away after a few days of treatment (such as ice, pain relievers, and rest) Pain that shoots down one leg below the knee. Chronic upper back pain lasting longer than six weeks that prevents you from doing daily activities.
Why does my upper back hurt with Covid?
“People who have COVID-19 may experience muscle pain and body aches due to the body's inflammatory response, which can be felt in the upper and lower back,” says Sagar Parikh, M.D., an interventional pain medicine specialist and Director of the Center for Sports and Spine Medicine at JFK Johnson.
Can Covid affect your back?
People have said the most common problems after being unwell with coronavirus are shoulder and back problems, but joint and muscle problems can occur in any part of the body. Some people have widespread aching that can come and go for a time as you recover.
What are the body aches with Covid?
As you're recovering from COVID-19, you might have joint or muscle pain. Staying in bed for more than a couple of days can lead to stiff joints and muscle weakness. They may ache, burn, or feel tired, stiff, or sore.
How long till flu is gone?
Flu symptoms, including fever, should go away after about 5 days, but you may still have a cough and feel weak a few days longer. All your symptoms should be gone within 1 to 2 weeks.
How do you know it's Covid and not a cold?
But COVID-19 , the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu (influenza) cause many similar symptoms....Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?Symptom or signCOVID-19ColdTirednessUsuallySometimesSneezingRarelySometimesSore throatUsuallyUsuallyRunny or stuffy noseUsuallyUsually6 more rows
Can I recover from flu in 2 days?
Flu symptoms typically last about a week, but the most severe symptoms only occur for two to three days (though it might feel like an eternity). You might continue to experience fatigue, weakness, and a cough for another week after you recover.
Common Upper Back Pain Symptoms
Upper back pain can feel like one or more of the following: 1. Sharp pain. This pain is typically described as excruciating and can feel knife-like...
Onset of Upper Back Pain Symptoms
Upper back pain symptoms could start any number of ways, including: 1. Suddenly. Pain could begin immediately after an injury or out of the blue fo...
Upper Back Pain Symptoms by Location
At each level of the thoracic spine, two nerve roots (one on each side) branch into networks of nerves that enable sensation and motor functions on...
When Upper Back Symptoms Need Medical Attention
If upper back pain is accompanied by any of the following, it should be checked by a doctor immediately: 1. Problems with balance or walking 2. Dif...
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Fever, chills, and vomiting are among the common symptoms most people associate with the various forms of influenza, a seasonal illness that affects anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population each year. One of the not-so-common symptoms associated with the flu is back pain.
What happens when you get the flu?
When you have the flu, your body goes into germ-fighting mode, which results in the increased production of molecules that include cytokines and chemokines. As these molecules are created by cells in larger numbers, they contribute to an increase in inflammation.
How to stop coughing fits?
There’s nothing you can do to control involuntary coughing fits, but you can minimize stress on your lower back by: • Trying not to bend forward while coughing. • Reducing hard or forceful body movements as much as possible. • Doing brief stretches after bouts of coughing to release tension in your lower back muscles.
Can lumbar disc replacement cause pain in the back?
Increased inflammation impinges, or presses, on various spinal structures, which can be especially painful for people who are recovering from spinal surgery such as lumbar disc replacement. Santa Monica patients may experience noticeable lower back pain combined with the more traditional flu symptoms.
Fly Symptoms
Likewise known as influenza, the flu is a nasty infection that is frequently accompanied by a series of unpleasant symptoms, including full-body pains, nausea, high temperature and fever, frustrations, sore throat, exhaustion, dry cough, dripping nose and various other signs of sinusitis, and also back pain.
Why do I have Lower Back Pain when I'm Sick with the Flu?
It's no secret that aches and pains are typical for the flu - that's why we feel drained and also achy continuously. But the long term and severe back pain aren't "typical" at all. It's precisely those same pains associated with flu that create such distressing pain in the back for some.
Mesh Lumbar Back Support Cushion
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Pre-existing Back Pain and Flu
While there are plenty of people who experience back pain during bouts of flu, there is one more reason why pain in the back and flu are usually connected: you have a history of back pain. If you have recently hurt your back or deal with chronic back pain, this pain will certainly usually resurface as part of flu symptoms.
Why Standard Medical Treatments Frequently Fall Short
Many individuals rely on over-the-counter drugs such as NSAIDs to find relief from the flu. These are not necessarily your ideal protection from the flu.
How to get quick, safe and soothing remedy for flu-related back pain
A lot of mainstream doctors do not usually recognize there is a link between flu and back pain, so they don't understand how to treat it. While the pain will typically lower as you recover from the flu infection, there are things you can do to reduce your pain in the back while you rest and recuperate. You can try:
Summary
The flu is serious - it can make you miserable. And adding pain in the back to your listing of signs and symptoms can make you feel even worse.
What does upper back pain feel like?
Upper back pain can feel like one or more of the following: Sharp pain. This pain is typically described as excruciating and can feel knife-like, burning, or as if being gripped in a vice. It is usually located in one spot instead of spreading across a region. General discomfort.
How long does upper back pain last?
Peer Reviewed. Upper back pain symptoms can differ from person to person. For some, the pain might be mild and go away within a couple days, but for others the pain can worsen and interfere with daily tasks. Upper back pain symptoms and treatment plans can vary greatly depending on the problem’s underlying cause.
What are the symptoms of radiculopathy?
At each level of the thoracic spine, two nerve roots (one on each side) branch into networks of nerves that enable sensation and motor functions on that side of the body. If a nerve root becomes compressed or inflamed, such as from a herniated disc, then thoracic radiculopathy symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness can potentially radiate in different directions depending on the specific vertebral level of the nerve compression: 1
Where does radiating pain go?
Radiating pain. This pain can travel along a nerve from the thoracic spine and potentially go into the arm, chest, stomach, or further down the body. Radiating pain can range from dull to sharp or electric shock-like, and it may come and go or be continuous.
Does upper back pain get worse over time?
Gradual. Pain may start out mild and slowly worsen over time. Sometimes upper back pain comes and goes. Intermittent pain may or may not become worse over time, depending on the cause. Pain could feel worse in the morning and get better during the day, or it might be worse in the evening but feel better after rest.
Can a sharp pain in the upper back cause stiffness?
Stiffness. If either sharp pain or general soreness becomes bad enough, it can contribute to reduced mobility of the upper back’s muscles, ligaments, and/or joints.
Can a thoracic disc cause upper back pain?
Thoracic Disc Herniation Symptoms Save. A thoracic herniated disc often causes upper back pain that may be exacerbated when coughing or sneezing. Read Thoracic Disc Herniation Symptoms.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
In addition to body aches, common flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may have a fever, and less commonly, vomiting or diarrhea. 4.
How long does it take to recover from the flu?
It should take three to seven days to recover from the flu if you have no other health issues. 11 However, older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions may recover more slowly and are at risk for complications and additional health problems.
How to get rid of the flu?
Get Plenty of Rest. Sleep plays a big role in regulating many of the immune functions that are necessary for healing and reducing inflammation in the body. 6 Painful body aches may even make resting uncomfortable, but forcing yourself to relax when you have the flu is important. Getting as much sleep and rest as you can gives your body ...
What is the best pain reliever for aches?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are more likely to help with aches than other pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen). 5 Examples of NSAIDs include Motrin or Advil ( ibuprofen ), aspirin, and Aleve ( naproxen ).
How to prevent the flu from spreading?
Use a Vaporizer or Humidifier. Dry air can increase your risk of catching flu-like pathogens or make your flu symptoms worse. When a flu virus enters your respiratory tract, it gets caught in mucus, which helps prevent infection from spreading.
How to get rid of a fever when you're sick?
When you're sick with a flu or fever, your body tends to lose a lot more fluids due to excess sweating, and in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking lots of clear liquids to restore bod ily fluids is an important part of helping your body fight infection.
What does it mean when you have a fever and you have a leg cramp?
You have muscle weakness or cannot move part of your body. You have vomiting, a stiff neck, and fever. Some people, especially children, may experience very painful leg cramps with the flu. Leg cramps can be so painful that walking is difficult or accompanied by a limp.
Why does my upper back hurt?
Rarely, upper back pain may be due to a punctured lung, which can be caused by an injury. While it is less likely to be the cause of your discomfort, a punctured lung is something you need to know the signs of so you can take the right action.
How long does a muscle strain last in the upper back?
Often you can stay home: There are many effective home remedies for upper back pain relief. “A typical episode of muscle strain usually lasts only a few days ,” explains Dr. Chang. Staying comfortable during this time is key.
What does it mean when your back hurts when you lift?
It’s time to think about a possible slipped disc (also called a herniated disc), which can happen if you lift something heavy using your back instead of your legs. If you feel upper back pain along with numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, it may be a sign of a neurologic injury from a slipped disc, says Dr. Chang. Your doc can make the diagnosis with a physical exam.
Why do my arms tingle when I have the flu?
In certain instances, severe back pain with an accompanying fever or numbness or tingling in your arms can be from a spinal infection , points out Dr. Tien. Some risk factors are if you’re immunosuppressed, have cancer or diabetes, or are obese. If your doc thinks you may have a spinal infection, they may order an X-rays, CT, or MRI scan to help make the diagnosis. Antibiotic or antifungal medications can treat the issue.
Why is my leg so painful?
If “extremely painful” is your answer, get checked out. One emergency-worthy cause is a pulmonary embolism, says Dr. Tien. “Blood clots can break off from a deep vein in the leg or arm and travel to the lung, wedging in blood vessels, causing poor blood flow, inflammation, and death of lung tissue,” she explains.
What are the risk factors for spinal cord infection?
Some risk factors are if you’re immunosuppressed, have cancer or diabetes, or are obese. If your doc thinks you may have a spinal infection, they may order an X-rays, CT, or MRI scan to help make the diagnosis. Antibiotic or antifungal medications can treat the issue.
Can you feel pain in your back and side?
It’s unlikely that this is the only symptom you’ll notice though. You may also feel severe pain in your side and back below your ribs, the Mayo Clinic notes. Discomfort while peeing or red- or brown-hued urine may be other clues.
Symptoms of an infection
In many cases, back pain is related to an injury or a degenerative condition, such as arthritis. But in some cases, the pain in your back has nothing to do with getting hurt. Although spinal infections aren’t common, they can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone.
Types of spinal infections
Determining what’s causing your pain is the first step in figuring out what type of treatment is appropriate for your condition. Where anti-inflammatories may help a minor back condition, they aren’t as effective for a spine infection.
When to see a doctor
If you’ve suffered from back pain before, you know it might go away on its own with rest and self-care measures. But with a spinal infection, your symptoms likely won’t get better with rest.
What are the complications of the flu?
Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) tissues, and multi-organ failure (for example, respirator y and kidney failure).
How long does it take to recover from the flu?
Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.
Can the flu cause death?
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death . Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Fatigue. This is common with the flu and happens sometimes with a cold. Sneezing. You’re more likely to have this with a cold than with the flu. Cough and chest discomfort. This is common with both but tends to be severe with the flu. Stuffy nose. This sometimes happens with the flu but is common with a cold.
What are the symptoms of a fever above 100 degrees?
Severe aches in your muscles and joints. Weakness or severe fatigue. Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes. Chills. A headache. A dry cough. A sore throat and runny nose. Adults with seasonal flu don’t usually have stomach problems like vomiting or diarrhea, but children sometimes do.
Causes
Risk Factors
- Some people experience aches and pains every time they get the flu. Others seldom do. Older adults and people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, tend to experience more aches when they have the flu because their bodies have a harder time fighting the infection.3 Anytime the body has to work harder, you can count on feeling more aches and p…
When to See A Healthcare Provider
- Severe body aches deserve the attention of your healthcare provider.1Seek medical attention if: 1. The aches don't improve within three days 2. There is poor circulation in the area that hurts (for example, your legs) 3. You notice signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, around a muscle Some people develop a serious complication from the flu. Call 911 or go to your local emergenc…
Summary
- Triggered by a virus, the flu is a respiratory infection that can linger for weeks. This is a long time when your entire body may be throbbing with aches and pains. To combat them, try taking pain relievers, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, sleeping, taking a warm bath, getting a massage, and using a vaporizer. Sometimes, the flu can grow ...
A Word from Verywell
- Flu symptoms can vary depending on the strain of the flu and the person who is sick. When everything from your head to your legs feels sore, it can be difficult to relax and take care of yourself. But try to do your best to relieve the pain and support your immune system. And take comfort in knowing that with time and TLC, you'll soon be ache-free.