Are you suddenly experiencing back pain? Recent data shows that the hours you’re spending on your desk chair may not be the cause. Statistically speaking, there’s a better chance that you’re experiencing a coronavirus symptom of the Omicron variant in the last few months.
Alongside other symptoms like fever, dry cough, body aches, and lethargy, intense back pain is another specific telltale sign that you’re infected with Omicron.
Even outside of the constellation of COVID-19 symptoms, back pain is one of the most frequent health complaints globally. More precisely, it affects approximately 577 million adults worldwide.
Although body aches are often part of feeling run down by a cold or the flu, Omicron seems to specifically target this area of the body, even in small children. What’s worse, this ailment can linger for months after recovering from the virus.
So, why does this happen? Unfortunately, scientists aren’t sure yet. However, research indicates that Omicron attacks the musculoskeletal system more than the Delta variant.
Suspicions still exist that the same general risk factors for back pain like bad posture and sedentary lifestyle influence whether or not you’ll experience this symptom if you contract COVID-19.
Preventive measures like having a proper mattress, an ergonomic home office desk, and supportive pillows can help you deal with eventual infection with minor discomfort, or maybe even prevent this symptom from happening altogether.
Experts also remind people to spend time resting and recovering from COVID-19 before getting back to their physically demanding tasks and workouts.