Why COVID-19 Causes Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain, particularly on the left side, has been commonly reported as one of the many symptoms of COVID-19. There are several possible explanations for why the virus triggers this localized back pain.
Body Aches and Myalgia
Generalized body aches and muscle pain (myalgia) are among the most common symptoms of COVID-19, present in over 50% of patients. This musculoskeletal pain can manifest in any part of the body, including the upper back.
Coughing
Coughing is another prevalent symptom, which can strain the muscles of the upper back and shoulders. Forceful, repeated coughing may lead to pain, tightness, and spasms.
Fatigue
The fatigue that often accompanies COVID-19 can make back muscles feel sore and overworked. Sitting in poor posture for long periods while fatigued can aggravate upper back pain.
Cytokine Storms
In some severe COVID-19 cases, the immune system overreacts and releases excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines. This “cytokine storm” may damage muscle tissue, potentially causing upper back pain.
Pneumonia
COVID-related pneumonia can inflame the lung tissue and pleura (lung lining), which may irritate nerves in the thoracic spine and cause upper back pain.
Why Does COVID-19 Cause Left-Sided Back Pain?
There are a few reasons why upper back pain from COVID-19 may manifest more on the left side in some patients:
Asymmetrical Lung Damage
Studies show COVID pneumonia often affects the lower left lung disproportionately. This could indirectly cause more irritation and pain on the left side of the upper back.
Heart Inflammation
Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, has been linked to COVID-19 and can cause pain that radiates to the left shoulder and back.
Spleen Inflammation
Enlargement and inflammation of the spleen is sometimes seen in mononucleosis and other viral illnesses. This may refer pain to the left upper back area.
Dominant Side Overuse
Since most people are right-handed, left-sided muscles may become overused and fatigued more easily during COVID-19 illness.
Home Remedies to Relieve COVID Upper Back Pain
Mild to moderate upper left back pain from COVID-19 often resolves on its own with rest and recovery. But you can try these home remedies to help manage the discomfort:
Heat Therapy
Applying a heating pad or warm compress to the upper back for 15-20 minutes can relax tight muscles and increase blood flow to relieve pain.
Cold Therapy
Alternatively, using an ice pack on the sore upper back muscles for 10-15 minutes may numb pain signals and reduce inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can temporarily alleviate upper back pain and discomfort from COVID-19.
Gentle Stretches
Carefully stretching the muscles of the upper back, shoulders and neck may help reduce tension, loosen tightness and increase mobility.
Posture Correction
Making sure to sit and stand with proper upright posture can take strain off the upper back muscles and joints.
Massage
Having a friend or family member gently massage the sore upper back muscles can help relieve pain and relax the area.
Rest
Getting adequate rest allows the body to heal itself and gives upper back muscles a break from overuse during illness.
Medical Treatments for COVID Upper Back Pain
For moderate to severe cases of upper back pain from COVID-19, your doctor may recommend additional medical treatments, such as:
Prescription Medication
If over-the-counter pain medication isn’t effective, a doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs or other pain-relieving drugs.
Steroid Injections
For persistent upper back pain due to muscle strain or inflammation, your doctor may inject corticosteroids into the spine to reduce swelling.
Physical Therapy
A physiotherapist can provide exercises, manual therapy, and devices like TENS therapy to rehabilitate injured upper back muscles.
Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopaths can perform manual manipulation and mobilization techniques to improve upper back mobility and function.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractors manipulate and adjust the spine to improve upper back motion, nerve conduction and correct poor posture contributing to pain.
When to See a Doctor for Upper Back Pain from COVID-19
You should consult a doctor promptly if you experience:
Severe Pain
Uncontrolled, severe upper back pain that isn’t improved with rest or OTC medication warrants medical evaluation.
Neurological Symptoms
Upper back pain accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness of the arms or hands could indicate nerve compression.
Injury or Trauma
See a doctor if the upper back pain started after an injury, fall or trauma to rule out fractures or spine damage.
Fever
A fever with upper back pain may be a sign of an infection like pneumonia or COVID-19 relapse requiring antibiotics.
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing with upper back pain can indicate a potential lung or heart issue needing prompt evaluation.
Risk Factors
People over 65 or with medical conditions like osteoporosis or cancer are at higher risk for serious causes of upper back pain.
How Long Does COVID Back Pain Last?
For most people, upper back pain caused by COVID-19 or “COVID back” goes away within 2 to 4 weeks as other symptoms resolve. However, some people continue to experience persistent back or musculoskeletal pain from COVID-19.
Ongoing upper back pain lasting more than 3 months after COVID-19 is usually categorized as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Studies show about 15% of COVID-19 survivors are affected by long COVID.
Post-COVID upper back pain and other muscle pain conditions are likely due to minor damage to tissues, immune system dysregulation, inflammation, or neurological factors. Talk to your doctor if upper back pain persists more than 12 weeks after COVID-19.
Exercises to Relieve Post-COVID Upper Back Pain
For lingering upper back pain after having COVID-19, try incorporating rehabilitative exercises to rebuild strength, flexibility and function:
Shoulder Rolls
Roll shoulders forward and backward to increase range of motion and reduce tension in the upper back.
Scapular Squeezes
Pinch shoulder blades together and hold to open up the chest and stretch the upper back.
Wall Angels
Stand with back to wall and raise arms overhead, sliding hands up wall to stretch upper back muscles.
Doorway Stretches
Place forearms on edges of door frame and lean forward to stretch chest and upper back.
Upper Back Foam Rolling
Use a foam roller to apply pressure and massage tight muscles in the upper back area.
When to See a Doctor for Persistent COVID Back Pain
If you still have upper left back pain more than 3 months after COVID-19, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and best treatment options. You should also promptly consult a doctor if the pain is severe, gets worse, or you experience concerning symptoms like:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Muscle weakness interfering with daily activities
- Bladder or bowel incontinence
- Fever, nausea or unexplained weight loss
Based on the evaluation, your doctor may order diagnostic tests like x-rays or MRIs and refer you to a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or pain specialist for treatment.
Tips for Preventing COVID-19 Upper Back Pain
You can reduce your chances of developing upper back pain if you get COVID-19 by:
Getting vaccinated and boosted
COVID-19 vaccines significantly lower the risk of infection and severe symptoms like body aches.
Practicing healthy habits
Eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise regularly, stop smoking and reduce stress for optimal immune function.
Avoiding injury
Use proper lifting techniques and maintain good posture to prevent strained upper back muscles.
Treating comorbidities
Well-managed conditions like diabetes, hypertension and obesity lower complications risk.
Resting when sick
Get adequate rest to allow your body to heal and avoid overusing sore upper back muscles.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Upper Back Pain
In rare cases, upper back pain can indicate a life-threatening emergency needing immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe, crushing upper back pain
- Pain radiating into the jaw, arms or shoulders
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain with upper back pain
- Dizziness, cold sweats or sudden confusion
- Sudden, severe weakness making it difficult to stand
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, aneurysm, stroke, pulmonary embolism or spinal fracture requiring emergency evaluation.
The Bottom Line
Upper left back pain is a reasonably common symptom of COVID-19 resulting from muscle pain, fatigue, coughing, inflammation and lung damage. Mild cases can usually be managed at home with rest, OTC medication, heating pads and gentle stretches.
Make sure to consult a doctor promptly if you have severe or persistent upper back pain for more than a few weeks after COVID-19. With proper treatment, most post-COVID upper back pain will eventually resolve allowing you to return to normal activity.
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.
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