Almost a full year later, scientists and experts alike are still perplexed by this awful virus. Symptoms often look different case by case, and now back pain is making its way into the common-symptom conversation.

Should you be expecting intense back pain if you have been diagnosed with the virus? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte answers this question.

How Likely Am I to Experience Back Pain?

Back pain is grouped in with general muscle aches or pains, which the CDC lists as an official symptom.

Lower, mid and upper back pain isn’t quite as common when currently experiencing the virus, but studies have shown that COVID-19 “long-haulers”—people who have technically recovered from COVID-19 but still experience long-term symptoms or side effects—have said that they experienced lingering back pain down the road. Watch out for muscle aches in addition to the common symptoms that we’ve listed below when it comes to COVID-19.

Common COVID-19 Symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

How Severe Will My Back Pain Be?

It differs in every case. Some diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience no back pain, while some may experience intense pain.

Intense 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. Having said this, having back pain doesn’t automatically mean that you have COVID-19. There are many causes of moderate to severe back pain, which we’ve listed below.

Common Causes of Back Pain

• Pulled muscle or tendon
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Injured, herniated and ruptured discs
• Stress
• Fibromyalgia

Back pain can be extremely uncomfortable and tough to deal with. If you are experiencing back pain and have been recently exposed to COVID-19, schedule a test at our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte ASAP! We’re here for you now and always.