Why Does My Back Hurt When I’m Sick?
Back pain is never fun, especially when you’re sick. In this post, we’ll be discussing how you may be experiencing back pain when you’re sick, and what may be the cause behind said back pain. Read on to learn more about back pain while you’re sick and how you can best address the symptoms leading to less pain and a faster, better recovery.
Muscle Tension & Fatigue
When you’re sick, what do you do? Rest in your bed or on the couch. Additionally, when you’re sick, your body goes into a fighting state to fend off the infection you’re experiencing. With these two factors at play, your body is going to be fatigued and tense. Coughing and sneezing can lead to additional muscle tension and fatigue in the back area where you feel quite exhausted.
Posture Changes
When you’re sick, you may end up in weird positions whether you realize it or not. It’s often a form of compensating for the pain and discomfort to literally curl up into a ball when you’re sick. When you hold this style of position for an extended period of time, it will likely lead to posture changes which will exacerbate any pre-existing back pain, or develop new back pain. If you happen to be laying down for extended periods of time as well, this may lead to a change in your posture, promoting further back pain.
Inflammation
When you’re sick, your body is going to become naturally inflamed as it begins to fight off any bacterial or viral load which has accumulated in your system. This body-wide inflammation may cause back pain, neck pain, leg pain, etc… to develop.
Dehydration
Dehydration is common when one is sick. Whether you’re experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, etc…, your body is going through some extreme episodes you’re not accustomed to. These effects of being ill can place you into a state of dehydration, leading to muscle cramps and back pain. Make sure you’re adequately hydrated when sick, as dehydration is one of the leading causes of hospitalization when ill.
Underlying Conditions
Injured your back ten years ago and now that you’re sick, the pain has returned? If so, this is a common symptom which occurs when one is sick. The additional inflammation your body is going through while silk can reinvigorate old injuries from the past. While this is certainly frustrating and painful, it’s typically not anything to worry about too much as you’ll likely notice the pain subside when you’ve successfully rebounded from your sickness.
Stress & Anxiety
If you’re sick and you have other life obligations (who doesn’t?), you may have an increased level of stress and anxiety. Whether it’s your job, taking care of your family, household chores, etc…; it can all add up very quickly if you’re sick and not feeling well. This stress from being unable to complete your everyday tasks can lead to physical symptoms of back pain. It’s important to remember to focus on resting and recovering so you can be your best self again.
Some Helpful Tips for Relief
If you experience back pain while sick, here are some tips to help alleviate your discomfort:
Rest: We all need rest, especially when we’re sick. Ensure you’re sleeping for at least 8 hours per night.
Stay Hydrated: Staying adequately hydrated is so important, as dehydration can lead to hospitalization in some cases.
Gentle Stretching: Gentle movement or stretching can be very beneficial for relieving back pain while you’re sick. If you’re too sick to even begin thinking about doing some light stretching, then just wait it out until you’re feeling up for it.
Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to the area of your back which is sore may help relieve tension.
Consult a Medical Professional: If your back pain is still present after you’ve fully recovered from your illness, you’ll want to contact us. We’ll be able to help diagnose and treat the issue and have you back on track to health and wellness once again.
Don’t Let Back Pain Deter Your Recovery from Being Sick!
Back pain while sick is a common symptom. It’s best to rest, stay hydrated, and recover from your illness at your own pace. We know life steps in the way of a full recovery when you’re sick, but you should place a high priority on yourself and recovering the right way. If you have any questions, or you’d like to book an appointment, please contact us using the form below. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.