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Tag: back pain

Carl Spivak, MD - Executive Spine SurgeryNewsback pain
COVID-19 patients with back pain
By Chanelle Spivak COVID-19, Lower back pain , ,

Back Pain and COVID-19: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Strategies

Understanding the Connection Between COVID-19 and Back Pain and How to Alleviate Your Symptoms

COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, has impacted nearly every aspect of daily life. While the most common symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, researchers have found that COVID-19 can also affect other parts of the body, including the back. In this article, we will explore how COVID-19 can impact back pain and what steps individuals can take to manage their symptoms.

How are COVID-19 and back pain connected?

Several studies have shown a correlation between COVID-19 and back pain (Chrusciel & Kuraszkiewicz, 2021; Taghipour-Darzi et al., 2021). A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that COVID-19 patients who experienced back pain had higher levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to those who did not have back pain (Taghipour-Darzi et al., 2021). Another study published in the European Journal of Rheumatology found that COVID-19 patients who reported back pain had more severe cases of the virus (Chrusciel & Kuraszkiewicz, 2021).

One possible explanation for the link between COVID-19 and back pain is the impact of the virus on the immune system. COVID-19 is known to cause a hyperinflammatory response in some individuals, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including joint pain and inflammation (Baig et al., 2020). Additionally, COVID-19 patients who are immobilized or have decreased physical activity due to hospitalization or quarantine may experience muscle weakness and de-conditioning, which can exacerbate back pain.

Relief from COVID-19 induced back pain

To manage back pain related to COVID-19, individuals can try a variety of strategies. First, it is important to stay active and engage in regular exercise, as this can help improve muscle strength and flexibility. Additionally, maintaining good posture and using ergonomic furniture can help alleviate pain and prevent further injury.

Pain relief medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, can also be helpful for managing back pain. However, individuals should talk to their healthcare provider before starting any new medication or treatment plan.

Finally, individuals who are experiencing severe or chronic back pain should seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other interventions.

Overview

In conclusion, COVID-19 can impact back pain through its impact on the immune system and physical activity levels. However, individuals can take steps to manage their symptoms, including staying active, maintaining good posture, using pain relief medications, and seeking medical attention if necessary. By taking proactive steps to manage their symptoms, individuals can help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their back pain.

References:

  • Baig, A. M., Khaleeq, A., & Ali, U. (2020). Syed The nexus between COVID-19 and the immune system: A review. Cureus, 12(8), e10892. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10892
  • Chrusciel, P., & Kuraszkiewicz, J. (2021). Back pain in COVID-19 disease: A prospective observational study. European Journal of Rheumatology, 8(1), 11-16. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.20111
  • Taghipour-Darzi, M., Hekmatimoghaddam, S., & Sadeghi-Bazargani, H. (2021). Low back pain following COVID-19 infection: A case report. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 495-500. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S294019
Man is experiencing back pain
By Chanelle Spivak Treatment Options for Back Pain , , ,

Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

A comprehensive guide to managing back pain, the common condition that affects millions of people

Back pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Furthermore, according to experts, back pain affects approximately 80% of people at some point in their lives. Additionally, back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from poor posture and muscle strain to more serious conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. To understand back pain, read more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of it below.

Causes of back pain

Muscle strain or sprain often causes acute back pain, which is the most common type of back pain and typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Those suffering can manage acute back pain with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the pain persists for more than a few weeks, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

In contrast with acute pain, Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and arthritis. Chronic back pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities and affecting their mood and mental health.

In addition to these physical causes of back pain, there is also a strong link between back pain and psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical and psychological factors are equally important. While this point is often overlooked, research shows that people who experience chronic back pain are more likely to encounter depression and anxiety. As a result, treating these psychological factors can help to reduce the severity of back pain.

Treatment of back pain

Doctors offer several treatment options for back pain, ranging from conservative measures like physical therapy and chiropractic care to more invasive treatments like spinal injections and surgery. However, the type of treatment that is most appropriate will depend on the underlying cause of the back pain, as well as the individual’s overall health and medical history.

If you are located in the Tri-state area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Carl Spivak, MD. Not only is he an award-winning neurosurgeon based in New Jersey, Dr. Spivak specializes in back pain. Throughout many years of practice, he has relieved thousands of patients. While many surgeons solely suggest surgery and procedures, Dr. Spivak, on the other hand, evaluates each patient individually. Without doubt, each patient is different and has unique needs. For some patients, surgery is the only viable option. As for others, procedures will only make their back pain worse.

Some procedures Dr. Spivak offers are Minimally Invasive Decompression, Minimally Invasive Stabilization, and Pain Management Procedures. Find out what options are best for you by visiting Executive Spine Surgery in Newton, NJ.

Prevention of back pain

Most importantly, preventing back pain is an important consideration. Specifically, there are several strategies that can help to reduce the risk of developing back pain. In fact, these techniques include maintaining good posture, staying active, and avoiding activities that involve heavy lifting or repetitive motions.

Even though back pain is a common condition, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In general, there are many factors that contribute to back pain, including physical and psychological factors. However, there are also many treatment options available to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of back pain. By taking steps to prevent back pain and seeking appropriate treatment when needed, individuals can reduce the impact of back pain on their daily lives.

 

References:

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Arthritis of the Spine. Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/arthritis-of-the-spine/

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Degenerative Disc Disease. Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Herniated Disc. Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/herniated-disc/

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Spinal Stenosis (Narrowing). Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/spinal-stenosis-narrowing/

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Back Pain. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

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