Logan Steele
Muscle and body aches are a common symptom of COVID-19, often occurring in the early stages of infection. The pain can range from mild to severe and may last for several weeks or months, especially in those with long COVID. While the exact cause of muscle aches related to COVID-19 is unknown, it is believed that the body's immune response to the virus may be a factor, as inflammation triggered by the immune system can lead to muscle pain. In addition, the virus may directly damage muscle tissue by attaching itself to muscle cells, resulting in pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Inflammation triggered by the virus, the virus attacking muscles, or a lack of oxygen getting to the muscles |
| Severity | Mild to severe |
| Duration | Typically 2–5 days, but can last weeks or months, especially with Long COVID |
| Age | More common in individuals aged 16–65 years than in children or older adults |
| Location | Legs, neck, head, back, shoulders, wrists, ankles, knees |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter pain relievers, stretching, RICE method, physical therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain from inflammation
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID, with the type of pain varying from person to person. The pain can range from mild to severe and may feel like tightness in the muscles or radiate throughout the entire body. Muscle pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and coughing. While the exact cause of muscle aches related to COVID-19 is not yet fully understood, inflammation is believed to be a key factor.
Inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism against viruses. When the body detects a virus, it triggers an inflammatory response, releasing proteins called cytokines that fight infection and injury. Certain cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), can induce inflammation, which may lead to muscle and joint aches. This inflammatory response is a critical part of the body's immune reaction to COVID-19.
In addition to inflammation, muscle pain from COVID-19 may also be caused by the virus directly attacking muscle cells and tissue. Some research suggests that the virus may attach itself to muscle cells, resulting in muscle pain. Furthermore, the physical stress of the illness, an imbalance of electrolytes caused by the virus's impact on the kidneys, and muscle breakdown due to inactivity during bed rest can contribute to muscle pain.
The duration of muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can vary. Typically, the pain resolves within about two weeks. However, in some cases, it may last longer, especially in individuals with long COVID. People with severe or persistent muscle aches that impact their mobility should seek medical advice. Treatment options for muscle pain include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, physical therapy, and home care strategies like the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
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Joint pain
When the immune system detects the virus, it releases cytokines, which are cells that fight infection and injury. Certain cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), trigger inflammation, which can lead to joint pain. This inflammation is the body's key defense against viruses, but it can also cause side effects such as pain, swelling, and difficulty moving.
In addition to the body's immune response, COVID-19 may directly damage muscle tissue by attaching itself to muscle cells, resulting in joint pain. The virus may also cause muscle weakness, which can contribute to joint pain. This muscle weakness can be due to physical stress, an imbalance of electrolytes caused by the virus's effects on the kidneys, or the breakdown of muscle from bed rest and lack of movement during illness.
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Muscle weakness
During an acute COVID-19 infection, the virus can directly damage motor neurons and adjacent muscles or cause damage through the immune response. Some patients may experience acute Guillain-Barré syndrome, while others may have prolonged muscle weakness. The regrowth of nerve fibres after such damage can take up to 2-3 years. Central nervous system tissues may also be affected, leading to "brain fog" symptoms.
COVID-19 can also cause damage to the anterior spinal cord, resulting in myelopathy, which can present with a mixture of upper and lower motor neuron features such as muscle wasting and brisk reflexes. Specific plexopathies, such as brachial neuritis and lumbosacral plexopathy, have also been reported following COVID-19 infection and vaccination.
University of Malta researchers have identified a potential cause of the persistent symptoms of long COVID-19, including muscle weakness. They found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, latches onto the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor, acting as a doorway for the virus to infect cells. This leads to a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles, compromising several key molecules required for nerves to send messages to muscles.
Additionally, vitamin B and D deficiencies, as well as underlying disorders such as polymyalgia rheumatica and polymyositis, can contribute to muscle weakness in long COVID. It is important to identify and address these modifiable causes through supplementation and appropriate medical treatment.
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Muscle pain from lack of movement
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, and it can manifest as a dull ache that may limit mobility and energy. This pain can range from mild to severe, and it may feel like your muscles are tight, or the pain may radiate throughout your body. While the exact cause of body aches related to COVID-19 is unknown, researchers believe that it is due to the body's immune response to the virus. When your body detects the virus, it releases cytokines, which are cells that fight infection and injury but can also cause body pain. Additionally, the virus may directly damage muscle tissue by attaching itself to muscle cells.
During the recovery period from COVID-19, a lack of movement and exercise can also contribute to muscle pain and joint strength. Spinal muscles, for example, can become tight from a lack of movement, compromising the spine. Sitting for extended periods can cause discomfort and pain, and inactivity can be a significant source of body aches.
To alleviate muscle pain caused by inactivity, it is essential to incorporate movement into your routine. Systematic exercise, even in short durations, can effectively counter muscle pain from inactivity. Yoga, for instance, can be beneficial for building strength and range of motion in the muscles of your spine and related muscle groups.
If you are experiencing muscle pain due to COVID-19, there are several self-care strategies you can employ at home. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, you can try the RICE method, which involves rest, icing the affected area, compression, and elevation. After icing, applying heat and gentle stretches can provide relief. Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest and sleep are also crucial for your body's natural healing process.
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Long-term muscle pain
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, with about 86% of people diagnosed with COVID experiencing it. This pain typically resolves within about two weeks. However, in people with long COVID, muscle pain can last for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. In one research review, muscle pain lasted more than four weeks on average for people who had been hospitalized with COVID.
There are several possible causes of muscle pain in people with COVID-19. One theory suggests that the virus triggers body-wide inflammation as part of the body's immune response. This inflammation can lead to muscle and joint aches. The body's immune response to the virus involves releasing special proteins called cytokines, some of which trigger inflammation. Examples of these cytokines include interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).
Another possible cause of muscle pain in people with COVID-19 is ischemic myalgia, which is the medical term for muscle pain resulting from a lack of blood flow to the tissues. Additionally, the virus may damage muscle tissue directly by attaching itself to muscle cells, resulting in pain.
People with long COVID often experience muscle pain, and this pain can significantly impact their quality of life. To manage this pain, people can try self-care strategies such as over-the-counter pain relievers, stretching, and the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Physical therapy has also been proven to relieve the common symptoms of COVID, including muscle pain. Staying hydrated and getting enough rest and sleep can also help the body's natural healing process.
If muscle pain persists or becomes severe, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can recommend further treatments or refer you to a specialist for additional care.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle aches are a common symptom of COVID-19, with around 1 in 3 people experiencing them. They are especially common among people who are hospitalized for COVID and those who develop long COVID.
Muscle aches with COVID-19 can occur all over the body, but they are commonly felt in the back, shoulders, legs, neck, and head.
Muscle aches with COVID-19 can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months. In most cases, the pain will resolve within about two weeks. However, people with long COVID may experience muscle pain for a more extended period.
The exact cause of muscle aches with COVID-19 is not yet known. However, it is believed that the body's immune response to the virus may play a role. This response can lead to inflammation, which can cause muscle and joint aches. The virus may also directly damage muscle tissue by attaching itself to muscle cells.
There are several ways to relieve muscle aches with COVID-19:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Gentle stretches and massages can help ease muscle pain and improve flexibility.
- Applying ice to the affected muscles for the first three days, followed by heat, can provide relief.
- Rest and sleep are crucial for helping your body recover and heal.
- Drinking plenty of fluids will aid in hydration and support your body's natural healing process.
