Pneumonia Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Understanding the Link Between Pneumonia and Back Pain

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause a variety of symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Less commonly known is that pneumonia can also cause back pain in some individuals.

What Causes the Back Pain With Pneumonia?

There are a few potential reasons why pneumonia may trigger back pain:

• Inflammation from the lung infection irritating nerves in the chest wall that transfer pain signals to the back
• Coughing episodes causing muscle strains in the back
• Lying in bed for extended periods during illness putting strain on back muscles

The back pain associated with pneumonia is most often described as a dull, aching pain in the middle to upper back area. The pain may be generalized or feel more concentrated on one side. It can range from mild to severe depending on the severity of pneumonia infection.

How Common Is Back Pain With Pneumonia?

Studies show that between 30-50% of pneumonia patients experience some degree of back or muscle pain related to their infection. It tends to be more common in cases of more severe pneumonia that require hospitalization.

If you develop any sharp or stabbing pains between the shoulder blades or upper back when breathing, this indicates a more concerning complication called pleurisy and you should seek prompt medical attention.

Diagnosing the Cause of Back Pain With Pneumonia

Because pneumonia-related back pain can stem from both lung inflammation and muscular strains, diagnosing the exact cause involves assessing both respiratory infection and musculoskeletal issues.

Lung Exams

If pneumonia is suspected, a physician will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for crackling noises indicating fluid and inflammation. They may also order chest x-rays or CT scans to get visual confirmation of areas infected with pneumonia bacteria.

Testing for Pneumonia Pathogen

To determine the exact type of infection, a sample of mucus may be taken from the lungs and analyzed to identify if bacteria, viruses, or fungi are causing the pneumonia. This helps guide appropriate antibiotic treatment targeting the responsible pathogen.

Musculoskeletal Evaluation

Your physician may palpate areas along the spine and ribs to detect points of tenderness related to muscular and skeletal causes of back pain. They will also assess range of motion to determine if respiration is hampered.

Let your doctor know if certain movements like twisting, bending or lifting exacerbate the back pain so they can rule out strains, sprains or spinal issues unrelated to the respiratory infection.

How to Treat Back Pain Related to Pneumonia

The good news is that for most pneumonia sufferers, the associated back pain is temporary and should dissipate once the infection clears. But relief typically requires promptly starting antibiotic treatment in bacterial cases along with supportive self-care.

Antibiotics

If a bacterial source is confirmed, antibiotics tailored to the specific pathogen will be prescribed, usually for 7-10 days. This helps resolve the lung inflammation and infection that can radiate pain signals to the back.

Over-the-Counter Medications

For mild to moderate muscular back pain, OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen can provide relief. Acetaminophen is another option but less optimal for inflammation.

Apply Heat

Warm baths or heating pads placed on the upper and mid back for 20 minutes 2-3 times daily can ease pneumonia back pain. Avoid applying heat directly to the lower lungs which need to discharge mucus.

Cold Therapy

Alternating heat with cold packs wrapped around the back may also provide comfort and reduce inflammation. Use caution not to over-chill the chest though.

Rest and Relaxation

Getting ample rest while recovering allows back muscles to repair themselves. Practice relaxation techniques like gentle yoga or meditation to reduce tension making back pain worse.

Postural Improvement

Pay attention to posture during recuperation and afterwards to avoid hunching or slouching which can exacerbate back strain. Consider seeing a physical therapist to correct poor movement patterns.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Pneumonia Back Pain

While transient back discomfort with pneumonia is common, worsening pain not alleviated with antibiotics or over 2-3 weeks duration warrants further evaluation. Seek prompt medical help if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or intense sharp chest pain when inhaling
• Fever over 103 F that won’t lower with medication
• Cough producing bloody, brown or green mucus
• Severe unremitting back pain, weakness or numbness in the legs

Rarely, pneumonia can spread from the lungs to the spine and membranes surrounding it, causing a serious condition called empyema. Any suspected spreading infection or complications related to pneumonia back pain need immediate emergency medical care.

Preventing Pneumonia and Associated Back Pain

While a pneumonia infection may feel unavoidable when it strikes, there are some key prevention strategies to avoid developing it in the first place, including:

• Get vaccinated against pneumonia strains like pneumococcal and flu
• Wash hands thoroughly and often
• Disinfect shared surfaces and objects frequently
• Avoid contact with sick individuals when possible
• Refrain from smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
• Eat a balanced diet to support immune function

Staying up to date on immunizations, practicing good hygiene and living a generally healthy lifestyle can all help keep pneumonia at bay. And by stopping pneumonia in its tracks, you’ll also avoid the bothersome back pain it can trigger as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.