Is back pain a possible symptom of COVID-19?
Back pain is now one of the key symptoms of Omicron, one of the main SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating.
Does COVID-19 omicron come with lower back pain?
Data from South Africa where the variant was first identified suggested that people who get Omicron often develop two sets of symptoms – a sore throat, nasal congestion, and a cough – and also muscle pain, especially low back pain.
What are some of the first symptoms of COVID-19?
Early symptoms reported by some people include fatigue, headache, sore throat or fever. Others experience a loss of smell or taste. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.
What type headache do you get with COVID-19?
It is presenting mostly as a whole-head, severe-pressure pain. It's different than migraine, which by definition is unilateral throbbing with sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea. COVID headaches present more as a whole-head pressure.
What are some of the symptoms of the Omicron COVID-19 variant?
All of the variants, including delta and omicron, cause similar COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, fever and fatigue. There is some evidence that fewer people with omicron lose their taste and smell.
Can the Omicron variant cause long term COVID-19 symptoms?
The possibility of long COVID. While omicron may cause less severe symptoms, this may not mean a decreased risk of long-term sickness.
When do symptoms of the coronavirus disease typically start?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
What do I do if I have mild symptoms of COVID-19?
If you have milder symptoms like a fever, shortness of breath, or coughing: Stay home unless you need medical care. If you do need to go in, call your doctor or hospital first for guidance. Tell your doctor about your illness.
How long after infection do you start to show symptoms of COVID-19?
Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period.
What type of headache does COVID-19 cause, and how does it compare to migraine?
In some patients, the severe headache of COVID-19 only lasts a few days, while in others, it can last up to months. It is presenting mostly as a whole-head, severe-pressure pain. It's different than migraine, which by definition is unilateral throbbing with sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea.
How long should a headache last after being sick with COVID-19?
COVID-19 headaches typically last for a few days, although the duration depends on your age, immune system, and overall health condition. In mild cases of COVID-19, headaches will usually resolve within a few days. However, in more severe cases, mild or moderate headaches may come and go for up to 90 days.
Can a lingering headache be a symptom of COVID-19?
While loss of taste and smell are among the most publicized symptoms of COVID-19, headaches are also among the early symptoms. Often, those headache effects can linger.
Back Pain and Covid-19
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Back Pain Due to Pandemic-Related Changes
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Preventing and Treating Pandemic-Related Back Pain
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Next Steps & Resources
- Learn more about back pain treatment options or find a spine doctor at Hackensack Meridian Health.
- Learn more about our physical therapy services offered at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.