Stating that back, joint, muscle and body aches may be a leading sign of the Coronavirus, experts emphasize that these pains should not be neglected. Pointing out the importance of following these warnings in a timely manner, experts warn that if the intervention is delayed, permanent movement damage may occur.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Anesthesia and Reanimation Specialist Prof. Dr. Füsun Eroğlu made statements about the back, joint, muscle and body pain related to the coronavirus.
Pain can be a harbinger of coronavirus
Reminding that the most common early symptoms of Covid-19 disease are cough, headache and fever, Prof. Dr. Füsun Eroğlu said, “However, recent evidence suggests that the initial symptoms of the disease present with nervous system and musculoskeletal symptoms. Recognizing such symptoms can help diagnose and prevent the disease early. Similarly, it will help plan the treatment of such symptoms and prevent further complications in the long run, ”he said.
Movements of patients may be restricted
Noting that the incidence of myalgia (muscle rheumatism) of the musculoskeletal system caused by Covid-19, back pain, muscle weakness, skeletal muscle damage, arthralgia (joint pain) varies between 1% and 35%, Prof. Dr. Füsun Eroğlu said, “These symptoms may cause patients to be unable to do daily life activities such as walking. In addition, symptoms such as muscle weakness can cause long-term complications such as muscle atrophy (muscle shrinkage) and contracture (loss of muscle elasticity), further impairing the quality of daily life. "The mechanism of the disease, which includes symptoms of Covid-19's musculoskeletal system, is still not fully understood," he said.
Pain can have different causes
Stating that the possible causes of Covid-19's musculoskeletal features may be several factors, Prof. Dr. Füsun Eroğlu said, “High serum interleukin-6 levels may be the cause of myalgia and arthralgia during cytokine storms. Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory substance. Viral infections are also known to cause arthralgia. Thus, it is possible that arthralgia with joint pain in Covid-19 patients is associated with myalgia.
In these symptoms, the physician should be consulted.
Stating that the pain that develops in the muscles or joints is most commonly observed as back pain, muscle pain and weakness and can be quite severe, Prof. Dr. Füsun Eroğlu said, “Anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic and antipyretic properties are also added to the Covid-19 treatment plan. The use of these drugs is effective in reducing muscle and back pain. These types of pain usually disappear completely after recovery. However, in some cases, especially if the disease is severe or if adequate treatment is not received, the healing of the damage to the muscles and joints is prolonged and impairs the quality of life. If the pain persists for a few weeks after recovery, the physician should be consulted for further investigations ”.
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