Also known as influenza, the flu is a nasty virus that is often accompanied by a series of unpleasant symptoms, including full-body aches and pains, nausea, fever, headaches, sore throat, fatigue, dry cough, runny nose and other symptoms of sinusitis, and… back pain.
That’s right…
Many flu sufferers often experience lower back painand joint pain as part of their flu symptoms.
The back pain itself can run the gamut from an annoying discomfort to extreme, throbbing body aches and tender skin.
Although not all flu sufferers find their symptoms include back pain, those who do will suffer back pain as long as the flu virus persists.
The good news is that as the flu virus works its way through the body, the intensity of the back pain will subside.
Key takeaway: Although not the most common symptom, it’s not unusual to experience back pain when you have the flu.
Why do I have lower back pain when I’m sick with the flu?
The most common question people ask is: Why does the flu cause pain in the back when back pain is not a commonly accepted symptom of influenza?
It’s no secret that aches and pains are common with the flu — it’s why we feel drained and achy constantly.
But prolonged and severe back pain just isn’t considered “typical.”
It’s exactly those same aches and pains associated with the flu that actually cause such excruciating back pain for some.
Here’s why…
When you have the flu, you have elevated levels of molecules known as cytokines and chemokines, which are created by cells affected by flu.
Both cytokines and chemokines are pro-inflammatory. That means they encourage inflammation.
When the levels of both of these molecules are elevated higher than usual with influenza, severe back pain is often the result.
But there are other factors, too.
One of the most common symptoms of the flu is a persistent cough.
Severe bouts of coughing could cause you to pull a muscle in your back, which can obviously cause pain.
Additionally, one of the most serious complications of the flu — most common in older adults — is pneumonia, which can cause pain in the middle back.
Key takeaway: The flu causes an inflammatory response in your body, which can cause back pain. But flu-related back pain can also be the result of a pulled muscle due to coughing or pneumonia.
Pre-existing back pain and the flu
While there are plenty of people who experience back pain during bouts of flu, there is another reason that back pain and flu are often linked: You have a history of back pain.
If you have recently injured your back or suffer from chronic back pain, this pain will often resurface as part of flu symptoms.
Again, those aches and pains commonly found in flu sufferers will bring out the back pain again (or make your back pain worse).
When you have the flu, your body also makes something called pyrogens, a specific type of cytokine. Pyrogens are a byproduct of cell breakdown.
These pyrogens help fight the influenza infection by causing a fever, but they also contribute to your aches and pains.
Pyrogens tend to hang out around nerves that transmit pain. This can increase those nerves’ ability to transmit the pain.
So if you’re already prone to back pain, having the flu can make it worse.
Sometimes, however, the link between back pain and flu is simply happenstance.
The flu is a very common virus and many people suffer from the flu every single year.
Back pain is also extremely common, with up to 80% of the population expected to experience back pain at some point in their lives.(ii)
With numbers like that, it is very likely that they will overlap on occasion (meaning one is not causing the other, you just, unfortunately, happen to have both at the same time).
Key takeaway: The risk for developing back pain with the flu is higher if you already suffer from back pain. Sometimes, though, having the flu and back pain at the same time is an unlucky coincidence.
Why standard medical treatments often fall short
Many people turn to over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDsto find relief from the flu.
These are not necessarily your best line of offense or defense against the flu.
In fact, a recent study found that two potential cardiac risk factors — having an acute respiratory infection, such as a cold or influenza, and using an NSAID — have a combined, greater effect on heart attack risk when both are present.(iii)
Most people are already aware that taking NSAIDs increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. But the new study found that your risk more than doubles if you take an NSAID when you have the flu compared to when no infection is present.
Some people want their doctors to prescribe antibiotics when they have the flu, and some doctors actually still do this, even though antibiotics do nothing to fight a virus.
Over-the-counter flu medications may have a moderate effect on some flu symptoms, but they will do little to address flu-related back pain.
Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that are safer and often more effective.
Key takeaway: Mainstream medicine’s solutions for flu are often ineffective for back pain and and can create serious health risks.
How to get fast, safe and soothing relief from flu-related back pain
Most mainstream doctors don’t usually recognize there is a connection between the flu and back pain, so they don’t understand how to treat it.
While the pain will usually decrease as you heal from the influenza infection, there are things you can do to minimize your back pain while you rest and recuperate.
Here are two products that can help ease the discomfort of flu-related back pain:
1. Pain creams
Most pain-relief creams on the market work by “distracting” you from your pain.
Many also contain dangerous ingredients, particularly methyl salicylate, which can be deadly if consumed orally, especially by small children. It can also be toxic when applied topically to your skin.
2. Far infrared heating pads
Far-infrared heating pads use jade stones to create heat that warms beyond the surface of the skin. The warmth actually penetrates 1.5 inches deeper than traditional heating pads — and warms you from the inside out.
These heating pads are scientifically proven to relieve aches and pains. and can help minimize back pain while you recover from the flu.
Final thoughts and key takeaways
If you’re suffering from the flu right now, I urge you to check out these natural flu remedies that can help you recuperate more quickly.
The flu is no joke — it can make you miserable. And adding back pain to your list of symptoms can make you feel even worse.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this article:
Key takeaway #1: Although you won’t find lower back pain listed on most lists of flu symptoms, it’s actually pretty common.
Key takeaway #2: Several factors can contribute to flu-related back pain. These include inflammatory responses, pulled muscles from coughing and complications such as pneumonia.
Key takeaway #3: People with pre-existing back pain conditions are more likely to have a recurrence if they get the flu.
Key takeaway #4: Mainstream medicine’s pain relievers and over-the-counter flu medications do little to alleviate back pain, and some have serious side effects.
Key takeaway #5: Topical analgesics with natural ingredients and a far-infrared heating pad are the options I recommend for back pain relief while recovering from the flu.
Editor’s note: This article has been reviewed by a member of our medical advisory board. The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your physician if you have any questions about your health.
Jesse is the co-founder and visionary CEO of The Healthy Back Institute®, the world-leading source of natural back pain solutions. His mission as a former back pain sufferer is to help others live pain free without surgery and pharmaceuticals.
I just want to thank you for having an explanation of why my back is in so much pain. I am suffering from the flu and I just couldn’t understand why my back was hurting me so bad .
i like the other people have very bad flue,i get colds etc every year and flue now and then but never had flue this bad.i have has a cold before this flue since oct/nov now its the end of feb and i will be glad to see the end of it.thanks for your explantation ralph.
I had never experienced this much lower back pain before. I currently have the flu and can say that it hurts badly. My dr suggested I take an Epsom salt bath as it will relieve muscle tension as well as aches. I may just have to do that tomorrow.
Gosh, these flu shots are useless. They mask early symptoms of the virus infection, so you can’t really ward it off before it’s too late. I had this back pain (I’ve had chronic pain for long enough to know how it feels and back muscle tightness is not my usual symptom) for days, then severe fatigue, lack of concentration. I didn’t recognize what was wrong with me, so kept pushing through. Only 10 days later some respiratory tract issues and fever showed up. By now I’m totally useless 🙁
Interesting. Whenever I get a flu, I feel a heavy discomfort in my back, maybe from my spine and also feel extreme cold. It stops after I take a pill and then I start sweating.
We feel that you may find our back pain book helpful and you can get a copy using the link below.
It has information to help you regarding the back, pain relief strategies, various treatment options and other many useful tips. We do hope you find it helpful.
I’m glad this was clarified. When I’m coughing up this mucus just lying in bed my lower back kills me. I’m 45 moving and walking like I’m 95. I’ll be so glad when this is over.
I have the flu also and my lower back has been killing me for 5 days now. I thought it might be a kidney infection or something. But yesterday a friend told me she has the same thing, and so does her cousin. So I guess it is just part of this rotten flu.
Can’t wait for it to go away. I found that Icy hot roll on helps with the pain.
I woke up the other day with SEVERE back pain. (I have l4-l5 fused) I suppose I had the flu because I vomited and had diarrhea, The pain was so intense that I had to go to the ER. As this ever happened to you?
Yes got the flu which started just under 2 weeks ago. My lower back is in bits at the mo, can’t sit, lay, walk or stand without excruciating pain! Also when I cough ??
I can not tell you all how relieved I was to read your posts! The lower back pain has begun to freak me out as I feeI mostly on the road to recovery from the flu but now I am dealing with not being able to move! My sickness began on Tuesday morning feeling a little strange and by the afternoon I felt the need to lie down and really had no energy. It is now Sunday and I have finally turned a corner with the cough and fever and cold chills but beginning on Friday morning my lower back hurt so much that I felt (and still feel) like I could easily break in two! I tried to stretch and do some light yoga on a heating pad and still could not feel comfortable. Even child’s pose is uncomfortable. I am hoping and praying for relief soon! I feel like I have gone from 48 to 88 in one week!
I also experienced TERRIBLE lower back pain with this flu. It is now day 5 of the flu and my back feels better – thank goodness! Now it’s all gone to my head and sinuses. I just want to feel better. It seems like it is a nasty flu strain this year.
I thought I was dying!! I’m glad to know that this severe lower back pain is a normal flu symptom. I’m getting my flu shot from now on I don’t care what they put in it. I’ve never been so sick. The first 3 nights I couldn’t sleep at all. These hot flashes are terrible I’m just sweating. The human condition is a fragile one for sure.
Exactly. The old deadly human condition is indeed, fragile at times. Then u feel invincible againLoL!
Don’t worry … the Maker above does know what He is doing.
Glad I came across this page!! It answered my concern about the lower back pain that started yesterday with this flu I’ve had now going into the third day!! I thought maybe I pulled something when I had to take my dog out , but all I did was walk, so now I know why !! Thanks for the explanation ! To all that are ill, I hope you all get well soon!
Glad to have found this confirmation of what I’ve been going through for the last few days. Started with a 101.5 fever and then the lower back/sciatic pain started. Can’t get comfortable in any position and the pain is constant and gets worse in waves. The onlu pa
pain medicine that helped was ibuprofen and the a cold pack. This has been one of the worst flu’s I’ve eber had. I have also started taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 6 oz water 3 times per day to reduce my inflammation so hopefully that will help. Other symptoms are bad headach across the forehead, painful sinuses and hot flashes/sweats. The fever was only a day and a half so maybe I’m on the mend.
Thanks for info. I have flu and lower back pain and worried it is kidney stone….I know what it is now….I am not taking any medicines except paracetamol and keeping hydrated..
Thanks so much for this info. My 16 year old son has what seems to be the flu. His back started hurting really bad all over and then today moved to his lower back. I was starting to worry that it was his kidneys.
I am sure he will start feeling better in a few days. He is only on Day 4.
I would be leery of a flu shot myself. I heard that the strain of virus people were getting in the flu shot was completely the wrong one so was totally inefective. I have also heard recently that several seemingly healthy people died right after receiving the flu shot.
I think the best course is to keep a strong immune system and then treat with herbs, good nutrition, homeopathy, should one still get sick.
I got it too and am 8 months pregnant, age 41 and it wasn’t too bad. I took a ton of vitamin C, D, Cod Liver Oil, Coconut oil, fruits, veggies, echinacea, garlic. My was gone in a week with nothing too serious. I ALWAYS refuse the flu shot. Way too many toxic ingredients including mercury, which has been proven very dangerous for the unborn as well as a cause of alzheimers.
I’m over the flu since last week, but I now have lower back pain, and pain along the back of my thighs, and in all my joints. The pain is enough to wake me up at night, and to interrupt my working day, but a couple of paracetamol are enough to banish it for the day.
This particular strain of flu started on a Sunday afternoon, and I felt I was recovering (=able to do a proper day’s work) by Friday. Today is the following Tuesday, and although I feel great now, I’m hobbling around like an old man.
Thank you very much about your alert on lower back pain. l have had the back pain for sometime now with sinus, itch inside my ears, cold and sometimes headache. After reading l feel relieved and will have to look for flu medication.
I figured out there was a correlation between the flu and the back pain, but I needed confirmation since it started getting worse and worse.
So I needed to make sure, before looking for other causes.
Thanks for this information which is a big relief, I know there is nothing else bad but flu.
It’s been a horrible week of fighting this conditions going from sore throats, itchy nose, and painful coughs with the back pain. I will just have to keep taking natural medecines and let it go away.
Thanks a bunch.
I came across this post while searching for lower back pain and flu. I too am in so much pain in the back throat and legs. Having this horrid mucus coming up.
Thanks so much for the info here, it’s helped me understand the symptoms I’m having and knowing that it’s normal makes me feel better somewhat ☺
The last three times I have had the flu my back has been killing me. The only thing that has relieved the pain is hotwater bottles. And by that I mean really really hot ones. Mine left red marks on my skin, but they releived the pain to a tolerable level.
Thanks for sharing this. About halfway through a bout with the flu and my back pain kept me up all night. I’ve had the flu many times before, but this is the first time my back has hurt. Your information helped me understand what was going on. Appreciate it.
I guess having the flu with back pain is more common as we age. This is the first flu I’ve had with lower back pain traveling down to my hamstrings. I just got over the worst part of the flu (fever, headache, chills) and now I have a slight cough but this morning I woke up from a long sleep with my lower back feeling like it was being stretched. I applied heat, massage and laid down but no help. I curled up like a ball and still no relief. Hopefully it will go away soon.
Unbelievable!!!! I just had influenza B for 14 days. I thought I was having sciatic pain at first. My hip crests hurt, my butt, my lower back, my groin area, one leg and then BOTH LEGS! i had my husband check my back and so on for a rash… was thinking I was getting shingles or something!!!! No rash, no shingles. EVEN MY SKIN HURT IN THOSE AREAS!!!! A couple days later all of a sudden I was deathly ill with a high temp and in so much pain I couldn’t stand it!!!! I couldn’t stand my pants to touch my skin! I kept thinking my clothes were too tight but when I would check my pants there was plenty of room … they just felt tight to me because my skin was so sensitive! I almost died… I had bronchitis from the flu .. ended up in the ER!!! Then, my husband and child got it!!!! It was a nightmare at my house… really bad!
Same EXACT thing I had two years ago too. I wonder if all of us had the same symptoms because of the strain of flu that year? The only reason I discovered this is because I am having the same pain in my hips today and it is ohhh so familiar to me from two years ago. I almost died! I too ended up in the ER and had a respiratory infection.from it. It started two years ago with my hips and lower back killing me suddenly and when the pain was at its peak just hours later I became deathly ill. I too tested positive for Influenza B. The crests of my hip bones were also so sensitive and I too could not stand my pants or anything else. I too wondered if my clothes were too tight when I first started to hurt. I was out of work for about three weeks. It was horrible. My pain now is starting the same way…. I hope like hell I am not getting sick! Strange!
I’m just waiting for my GP to ring me about my horrendous back pain with the flu when I found this article. I’ve had the flu for 7 weeks so far and gone through every symptom including lower back pain and hips, legs etc along with everything else that goes with it , sinus’s, headaches, coughing, wheezing, nausea, etc etc – it seems to have gone from my lower back to the main muscles either side of my spine now and hurts to cough, sneeze or even go to the loo.
I have virus’s continually and for a long time as I am immune compromised but at least I know now from reading this it is normal, I was starting to worry as don’t usually get back pain so bad. Thank you.
Whenevr I have back pain, like now,(yes I have a serious cold/flu) I go to the Chiese Shop for a massage. 5 minutes gives an excellent result and all pain is gone, and doesnt return. Hope this helps someone.
I was told I had the flu Wednesday morning and was given a few meds. My symptoms really started about Monday. Here it is Sunday, 7 days later and I’m still laying on a heating pad, pillow and taking anti-inflammatory prescribed pills. I have been doing very easy yoga, soaking in steam room and whirlpool and by taking a Goodys powder…. I’m able to get mobile by lunch. I’m very active, 39 years old and being slowed down by this back pain is very disheartening. I thought I was healthy?!?! Dr said it was “strand B” of the flu….if you get it, I’m sorry! It’s going to suck!!!
Glad i read this too. I feel like crap. 5 days in on this flu. On my monthly cycle. Already have chronic back pain. I cant get comfortable to sleep. All of my joints and bones feel broken or bruised. Pounding headache behind my eyes across my forehead and temples. Had a fever of 102. Hoping it ends soon!
Thank you so much ! I already thought I might have a kidney infection but it doesn’t really feel like my kidneys. Been developing a really bad flu over the past week from just being weak and now coughing and this terrible back pain.
Three days ago I woke up freezing and had a temp of 101.3.. I was having a hard time walking and finally slept for a few hours . I turned in my bed and it felt like my back had cracked in two. Walking to the bathroom was very dramatic. It is a good thing I live alone. Every step I took was as if someone was sticking a knife in my back thighs and hips.and I cried out in pain with each step.I took. I was thinking spine infection and then I found this site and was greatly relieved. I have had many surgeries such as both knees replaced, back surgery, and a total shoulder replacement to name a few and the pain I had with them was tiny compared to what I am suffering now. I did rub some Voltaren Creme all over the worst parts of my body and within 5 minutes my pain has toned down to tolerable Now I will try to sleep. Ir has been 3 nights of hell. Thank you for the information and now I know I will survive this too..
I’ve had flu three days now just got down stairs and got the worst pain in my back and side I screamed with it hopefully it is just flu not my kidneys I’m 67
I have a herniated disc that almost never causes me any pain, but after this cold/flu I contracted it has been hellish. 23 years olf, my lower back muscles are on fire, and i have a terrible cough that throbs my back. Codeine tylenol helps for a while, but I know that when this blows over I will be back to good again.
I woke up 6 days ago with severe middle back pain on the right side only. My hamstrings & arms felt as though they were being stretched out like rubber bands. Thinking maybe this torture was from a strenuous kickbox class the previous day, I took some Tylenol which helped a little. Within an hour after waking, the chills started with a low grade fever. Other flu symptoms including burning eyes, dry cough, fatigue, & loss of appetite followed. What perplexed me was the terrible pain in my back. It was utterly horrible! Tried heat, ice packs, muscle rub creams as I don’t like taking medications. Unfortunately, OTC pain meds were the only thing that worked.
Now on day 6 of this flu, the only symptoms are still the back & leg pain, general fatigue, & cough. This flu that includes back pain is my worst sickness experience to date. So glad to find this article that explains what it’s from.
Two days after the flu started the back ache started. It is now day nine and the aches are starting to go away. Tylenol or ibuprofen helped some but not all of the aches. I never knew the flu had such horrible aches associated with it, and could last so long! Glad to have found this post!
There is another element to this, forgotten since the 1950s. Influenza attack the adrenals, discovered during the Spanish flu epidemic. (See dr. Wilson’s book Adrenal Fatigue). That causes weakness in certain muscles, back slides out of alignment. (Dr Goodheart goes into that). Any weakness like that is very painful as I well know. Adrenal glandulars might help if persists.
My 13 year old got the flu in April. He was diagnosed with strand A. After one week his back began hurting. The pain starts in his lower back and radiate upward and is constant. He describes it as being an 8 on a scale of 0-10. He’s been this way for about 2 months. We’ve spent a lot of money on finding out what’s wrong with him to no avail. He’s seen a chiropractor, Orthopedic doctor, Acupuncturist, Pediatrician, and now he’s seeing a Physical Therapist. Now I find this website in my search to find out what could be happening to my son. It feels like a light bulb has been turned on. I will treat him with natural remedies like vitamin c and garlic to attack the virus that may still be in his body. Thanks
I have had a chronic right arm and shoulder condition that radiates to just below the shoulder blade on the right side of my back. I have had uric acid kidney stones once before some 30 years ago. That felt like a knife wound or something ( colic pain that continues until the organ tissue can no longer contract, a slight rest period, then it starts again ). Uric acid and an inability to break down purines in foods like fish and red meat was probably the cause. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.
Years later, I began to have attacks of gout in the metatarsal ( large joints of the big toe ) area of first one, then a week or two later, the other foot. Sleeping and walking are almost impossible. Colchicine and vegetarian diet helps but not quickly. I assume none of this is flu related.
I got either food poisoning or stomach virus 10 days ago. Terrible vomiting and diarrhea; worst I ever had. Back and legs are killing me. Haven’t eaten in 10 days..crackers and applesauce.
Advil helps a little but I am in so much pain.
So the back pain is a flu symptom. I thought it was maybe from lying in bed. The sore low back is making it so hard to sleep, yet when I get up I feel weak an nauseous so have to lie down again. The symptoms listed here are exactly the symptoms I have.. but where everything I read about flu says achy muscles and joints.. My pains aren’t so much in the joints, more like sharp stabbing pains everywhere, my foot, toes, my forearm, elbow, shoulder. Thanks for the reassurance.
I came down with a fever blister on the corner of my mouth, not on the lip. I thought it was from open mouth sleeping. Two days later I felt like I was hit by a truck with lower back pain. It started on my right side (liver, kidneys, pancreas?). It has been 4 days & moved to my left side. No usual flu symptoms- fever, coughing, nausea, upper respiratory, etc. Eat healthy, no smoke, alcohol amounts, take a probiotic, & vitamin D, wash hands frequently, drink water, avoid crowds/social interactions /children whenever possible (retired). No meds except blood thinner. Do not get flu shot & practice avoidance. Experiencing overall fatigue & lethargy, & lightheaded upon awakening. Appetite good. Generally healthy, 12 year cancer survivor without back issues. Couldn’t help speculate if this was a variant of the flu or cold moving through my system. Resting as much as possible – not continually (but must move around like they get you up in hospitals). Putting on a lidocaine patch & epsom salt soak & 1 Aleve a day. Hopefully this will pass soon. If not, a doctor appointment will be necessary. I honestly feel this is a flu issue but will not prolong it. Thanks for posting. Will update as symptoms pass.
My sister had the flu about 10 days ago. I was around her once. She was feeling better and had no fever at the time. For about 24 hours now, I’ve been having a constant (bad) backache, headache a few times across the forehead, dizzy off and on, and random aches in legs and arms but not constant. I have no other symptoms besides losing my voice a few times and nausea a little off and on. No cough, fever or sore throat. Do these symptoms sound like anyone else?
I keep telling myself it’s not the flu but have never had it.
I had the same thing as you. After a week I’m still tired. Back pain got better. I still don’t know if that was the flu or not because I had no cough no sore throat.
I’m surprised no mention of too much bed rest . I thought maybe my back was killing me because iv bin in bed so much and a bad back needs movement . I hope it is just the flu making my always sore back extremely painful.
Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. …
Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. …
Arthritis. …
Skeletal irregularities. …
Osteoporosis.
I just want to thank you for having an explanation of why my back is in so much pain. I am suffering from the flu and I just couldn’t understand why my back was hurting me so bad .
Yes I have haf severe back oain with flu and didnt understand why. I am in so much pain
i like the other people have very bad flue,i get colds etc every year and flue now and then but never had flue this bad.i have has a cold before this flue since oct/nov now its the end of feb and i will be glad to see the end of it.thanks for your explantation ralph.
I had never experienced this much lower back pain before. I currently have the flu and can say that it hurts badly. My dr suggested I take an Epsom salt bath as it will relieve muscle tension as well as aches. I may just have to do that tomorrow.
Thanks for posting this
Gosh, these flu shots are useless. They mask early symptoms of the virus infection, so you can’t really ward it off before it’s too late. I had this back pain (I’ve had chronic pain for long enough to know how it feels and back muscle tightness is not my usual symptom) for days, then severe fatigue, lack of concentration. I didn’t recognize what was wrong with me, so kept pushing through. Only 10 days later some respiratory tract issues and fever showed up. By now I’m totally useless 🙁
Interesting. Whenever I get a flu, I feel a heavy discomfort in my back, maybe from my spine and also feel extreme cold. It stops after I take a pill and then I start sweating.
Excellent blog post. I certainly love this website.
Continue the good work!
Thank you for explaining this. I have the Flu and couldn’t understand the SEVERE pain on my lower back!
I am grateful for this information. I am three days into the flu and the back pain is awful. I am relieved to know that this too shall pass.
I have severe back pain that I have to lie down on a pillow til it eases.
Yep. me too
I place a wooden coat hanger on the bed and lie on it to ease the pain
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I’m glad this was clarified. When I’m coughing up this mucus just lying in bed my lower back kills me. I’m 45 moving and walking like I’m 95. I’ll be so glad when this is over.
I have the flu also and my lower back has been killing me for 5 days now. I thought it might be a kidney infection or something. But yesterday a friend told me she has the same thing, and so does her cousin. So I guess it is just part of this rotten flu.
Can’t wait for it to go away. I found that Icy hot roll on helps with the pain.
I woke up the other day with SEVERE back pain. (I have l4-l5 fused) I suppose I had the flu because I vomited and had diarrhea, The pain was so intense that I had to go to the ER. As this ever happened to you?
Yes got the flu which started just under 2 weeks ago. My lower back is in bits at the mo, can’t sit, lay, walk or stand without excruciating pain! Also when I cough ??
I can not tell you all how relieved I was to read your posts! The lower back pain has begun to freak me out as I feeI mostly on the road to recovery from the flu but now I am dealing with not being able to move! My sickness began on Tuesday morning feeling a little strange and by the afternoon I felt the need to lie down and really had no energy. It is now Sunday and I have finally turned a corner with the cough and fever and cold chills but beginning on Friday morning my lower back hurt so much that I felt (and still feel) like I could easily break in two! I tried to stretch and do some light yoga on a heating pad and still could not feel comfortable. Even child’s pose is uncomfortable. I am hoping and praying for relief soon! I feel like I have gone from 48 to 88 in one week!
I also experienced TERRIBLE lower back pain with this flu. It is now day 5 of the flu and my back feels better – thank goodness! Now it’s all gone to my head and sinuses. I just want to feel better. It seems like it is a nasty flu strain this year.
I thought I was dying!! I’m glad to know that this severe lower back pain is a normal flu symptom. I’m getting my flu shot from now on I don’t care what they put in it. I’ve never been so sick. The first 3 nights I couldn’t sleep at all. These hot flashes are terrible I’m just sweating. The human condition is a fragile one for sure.
Exactly. The old deadly human condition is indeed, fragile at times. Then u feel invincible againLoL!
Don’t worry … the Maker above does know what He is doing.
Glad I came across this page!! It answered my concern about the lower back pain that started yesterday with this flu I’ve had now going into the third day!! I thought maybe I pulled something when I had to take my dog out , but all I did was walk, so now I know why !! Thanks for the explanation ! To all that are ill, I hope you all get well soon!
Glad to have found this confirmation of what I’ve been going through for the last few days. Started with a 101.5 fever and then the lower back/sciatic pain started. Can’t get comfortable in any position and the pain is constant and gets worse in waves. The onlu pa
pain medicine that helped was ibuprofen and the a cold pack. This has been one of the worst flu’s I’ve eber had. I have also started taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 6 oz water 3 times per day to reduce my inflammation so hopefully that will help. Other symptoms are bad headach across the forehead, painful sinuses and hot flashes/sweats. The fever was only a day and a half so maybe I’m on the mend.
Thanks for info. I have flu and lower back pain and worried it is kidney stone….I know what it is now….I am not taking any medicines except paracetamol and keeping hydrated..
Thanks so much for this info. My 16 year old son has what seems to be the flu. His back started hurting really bad all over and then today moved to his lower back. I was starting to worry that it was his kidneys.
I am sure he will start feeling better in a few days. He is only on Day 4.
I would be leery of a flu shot myself. I heard that the strain of virus people were getting in the flu shot was completely the wrong one so was totally inefective. I have also heard recently that several seemingly healthy people died right after receiving the flu shot.
I think the best course is to keep a strong immune system and then treat with herbs, good nutrition, homeopathy, should one still get sick.
I got it too and am 8 months pregnant, age 41 and it wasn’t too bad. I took a ton of vitamin C, D, Cod Liver Oil, Coconut oil, fruits, veggies, echinacea, garlic. My was gone in a week with nothing too serious. I ALWAYS refuse the flu shot. Way too many toxic ingredients including mercury, which has been proven very dangerous for the unborn as well as a cause of alzheimers.
Hi guys,
I’m over the flu since last week, but I now have lower back pain, and pain along the back of my thighs, and in all my joints. The pain is enough to wake me up at night, and to interrupt my working day, but a couple of paracetamol are enough to banish it for the day.
This particular strain of flu started on a Sunday afternoon, and I felt I was recovering (=able to do a proper day’s work) by Friday. Today is the following Tuesday, and although I feel great now, I’m hobbling around like an old man.
Emmo
Thank you very much about your alert on lower back pain. l have had the back pain for sometime now with sinus, itch inside my ears, cold and sometimes headache. After reading l feel relieved and will have to look for flu medication.
I figured out there was a correlation between the flu and the back pain, but I needed confirmation since it started getting worse and worse.
So I needed to make sure, before looking for other causes.
Thanks for this information which is a big relief, I know there is nothing else bad but flu.
It’s been a horrible week of fighting this conditions going from sore throats, itchy nose, and painful coughs with the back pain. I will just have to keep taking natural medecines and let it go away.
Thanks a bunch.
I came across this post while searching for lower back pain and flu. I too am in so much pain in the back throat and legs. Having this horrid mucus coming up.
Thanks so much for the info here, it’s helped me understand the symptoms I’m having and knowing that it’s normal makes me feel better somewhat ☺
The last three times I have had the flu my back has been killing me. The only thing that has relieved the pain is hotwater bottles. And by that I mean really really hot ones. Mine left red marks on my skin, but they releived the pain to a tolerable level.
Thanks for sharing this. About halfway through a bout with the flu and my back pain kept me up all night. I’ve had the flu many times before, but this is the first time my back has hurt. Your information helped me understand what was going on. Appreciate it.
I guess having the flu with back pain is more common as we age. This is the first flu I’ve had with lower back pain traveling down to my hamstrings. I just got over the worst part of the flu (fever, headache, chills) and now I have a slight cough but this morning I woke up from a long sleep with my lower back feeling like it was being stretched. I applied heat, massage and laid down but no help. I curled up like a ball and still no relief. Hopefully it will go away soon.
Unbelievable!!!! I just had influenza B for 14 days. I thought I was having sciatic pain at first. My hip crests hurt, my butt, my lower back, my groin area, one leg and then BOTH LEGS! i had my husband check my back and so on for a rash… was thinking I was getting shingles or something!!!! No rash, no shingles. EVEN MY SKIN HURT IN THOSE AREAS!!!! A couple days later all of a sudden I was deathly ill with a high temp and in so much pain I couldn’t stand it!!!! I couldn’t stand my pants to touch my skin! I kept thinking my clothes were too tight but when I would check my pants there was plenty of room … they just felt tight to me because my skin was so sensitive! I almost died… I had bronchitis from the flu .. ended up in the ER!!! Then, my husband and child got it!!!! It was a nightmare at my house… really bad!
OMG all the above is how I feel now. This is some very painful stuff
Exactly how I feel now. In so much pain I can cry
Same EXACT thing I had two years ago too. I wonder if all of us had the same symptoms because of the strain of flu that year? The only reason I discovered this is because I am having the same pain in my hips today and it is ohhh so familiar to me from two years ago. I almost died! I too ended up in the ER and had a respiratory infection.from it. It started two years ago with my hips and lower back killing me suddenly and when the pain was at its peak just hours later I became deathly ill. I too tested positive for Influenza B. The crests of my hip bones were also so sensitive and I too could not stand my pants or anything else. I too wondered if my clothes were too tight when I first started to hurt. I was out of work for about three weeks. It was horrible. My pain now is starting the same way…. I hope like hell I am not getting sick! Strange!
I’m just waiting for my GP to ring me about my horrendous back pain with the flu when I found this article. I’ve had the flu for 7 weeks so far and gone through every symptom including lower back pain and hips, legs etc along with everything else that goes with it , sinus’s, headaches, coughing, wheezing, nausea, etc etc – it seems to have gone from my lower back to the main muscles either side of my spine now and hurts to cough, sneeze or even go to the loo.
I have virus’s continually and for a long time as I am immune compromised but at least I know now from reading this it is normal, I was starting to worry as don’t usually get back pain so bad. Thank you.
Whenevr I have back pain, like now,(yes I have a serious cold/flu) I go to the Chiese Shop for a massage. 5 minutes gives an excellent result and all pain is gone, and doesnt return. Hope this helps someone.
I was wondering about that….
I was told I had the flu Wednesday morning and was given a few meds. My symptoms really started about Monday. Here it is Sunday, 7 days later and I’m still laying on a heating pad, pillow and taking anti-inflammatory prescribed pills. I have been doing very easy yoga, soaking in steam room and whirlpool and by taking a Goodys powder…. I’m able to get mobile by lunch. I’m very active, 39 years old and being slowed down by this back pain is very disheartening. I thought I was healthy?!?! Dr said it was “strand B” of the flu….if you get it, I’m sorry! It’s going to suck!!!
Glad i read this too. I feel like crap. 5 days in on this flu. On my monthly cycle. Already have chronic back pain. I cant get comfortable to sleep. All of my joints and bones feel broken or bruised. Pounding headache behind my eyes across my forehead and temples. Had a fever of 102. Hoping it ends soon!
Thank you for this post. I’m wondering if poor posture while coughing for hours cumulatively per day might also play a role.
Thank you so much ! I already thought I might have a kidney infection but it doesn’t really feel like my kidneys. Been developing a really bad flu over the past week from just being weak and now coughing and this terrible back pain.
Thanku !
Three days ago I woke up freezing and had a temp of 101.3.. I was having a hard time walking and finally slept for a few hours . I turned in my bed and it felt like my back had cracked in two. Walking to the bathroom was very dramatic. It is a good thing I live alone. Every step I took was as if someone was sticking a knife in my back thighs and hips.and I cried out in pain with each step.I took. I was thinking spine infection and then I found this site and was greatly relieved. I have had many surgeries such as both knees replaced, back surgery, and a total shoulder replacement to name a few and the pain I had with them was tiny compared to what I am suffering now. I did rub some Voltaren Creme all over the worst parts of my body and within 5 minutes my pain has toned down to tolerable Now I will try to sleep. Ir has been 3 nights of hell. Thank you for the information and now I know I will survive this too..
I’ve had flu three days now just got down stairs and got the worst pain in my back and side I screamed with it hopefully it is just flu not my kidneys I’m 67
I have a herniated disc that almost never causes me any pain, but after this cold/flu I contracted it has been hellish. 23 years olf, my lower back muscles are on fire, and i have a terrible cough that throbs my back. Codeine tylenol helps for a while, but I know that when this blows over I will be back to good again.
I broke my back over the past 9 days coughing. I have the flu, thought I had meningitis…
I woke up 6 days ago with severe middle back pain on the right side only. My hamstrings & arms felt as though they were being stretched out like rubber bands. Thinking maybe this torture was from a strenuous kickbox class the previous day, I took some Tylenol which helped a little. Within an hour after waking, the chills started with a low grade fever. Other flu symptoms including burning eyes, dry cough, fatigue, & loss of appetite followed. What perplexed me was the terrible pain in my back. It was utterly horrible! Tried heat, ice packs, muscle rub creams as I don’t like taking medications. Unfortunately, OTC pain meds were the only thing that worked.
Now on day 6 of this flu, the only symptoms are still the back & leg pain, general fatigue, & cough. This flu that includes back pain is my worst sickness experience to date. So glad to find this article that explains what it’s from.
Two days after the flu started the back ache started. It is now day nine and the aches are starting to go away. Tylenol or ibuprofen helped some but not all of the aches. I never knew the flu had such horrible aches associated with it, and could last so long! Glad to have found this post!
There is another element to this, forgotten since the 1950s. Influenza attack the adrenals, discovered during the Spanish flu epidemic. (See dr. Wilson’s book Adrenal Fatigue). That causes weakness in certain muscles, back slides out of alignment. (Dr Goodheart goes into that). Any weakness like that is very painful as I well know. Adrenal glandulars might help if persists.
With love,
Agate
Thank you for very much for the information.
My 13 year old got the flu in April. He was diagnosed with strand A. After one week his back began hurting. The pain starts in his lower back and radiate upward and is constant. He describes it as being an 8 on a scale of 0-10. He’s been this way for about 2 months. We’ve spent a lot of money on finding out what’s wrong with him to no avail. He’s seen a chiropractor, Orthopedic doctor, Acupuncturist, Pediatrician, and now he’s seeing a Physical Therapist. Now I find this website in my search to find out what could be happening to my son. It feels like a light bulb has been turned on. I will treat him with natural remedies like vitamin c and garlic to attack the virus that may still be in his body. Thanks
I have had a chronic right arm and shoulder condition that radiates to just below the shoulder blade on the right side of my back. I have had uric acid kidney stones once before some 30 years ago. That felt like a knife wound or something ( colic pain that continues until the organ tissue can no longer contract, a slight rest period, then it starts again ). Uric acid and an inability to break down purines in foods like fish and red meat was probably the cause. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.
Years later, I began to have attacks of gout in the metatarsal ( large joints of the big toe ) area of first one, then a week or two later, the other foot. Sleeping and walking are almost impossible. Colchicine and vegetarian diet helps but not quickly. I assume none of this is flu related.
Steve F.
Highly suggest you consult your physician about the use of both Digestive and Systemic Enzymes to get at some of the root causes of your issue…
Steve, HBI-Staff
I got either food poisoning or stomach virus 10 days ago. Terrible vomiting and diarrhea; worst I ever had. Back and legs are killing me. Haven’t eaten in 10 days..crackers and applesauce.
Advil helps a little but I am in so much pain.
I am wondering if the back pain might be related to the kidneys and liver.
So the back pain is a flu symptom. I thought it was maybe from lying in bed. The sore low back is making it so hard to sleep, yet when I get up I feel weak an nauseous so have to lie down again. The symptoms listed here are exactly the symptoms I have.. but where everything I read about flu says achy muscles and joints.. My pains aren’t so much in the joints, more like sharp stabbing pains everywhere, my foot, toes, my forearm, elbow, shoulder. Thanks for the reassurance.
I came down with a fever blister on the corner of my mouth, not on the lip. I thought it was from open mouth sleeping. Two days later I felt like I was hit by a truck with lower back pain. It started on my right side (liver, kidneys, pancreas?). It has been 4 days & moved to my left side. No usual flu symptoms- fever, coughing, nausea, upper respiratory, etc. Eat healthy, no smoke, alcohol amounts, take a probiotic, & vitamin D, wash hands frequently, drink water, avoid crowds/social interactions /children whenever possible (retired). No meds except blood thinner. Do not get flu shot & practice avoidance. Experiencing overall fatigue & lethargy, & lightheaded upon awakening. Appetite good. Generally healthy, 12 year cancer survivor without back issues. Couldn’t help speculate if this was a variant of the flu or cold moving through my system. Resting as much as possible – not continually (but must move around like they get you up in hospitals). Putting on a lidocaine patch & epsom salt soak & 1 Aleve a day. Hopefully this will pass soon. If not, a doctor appointment will be necessary. I honestly feel this is a flu issue but will not prolong it. Thanks for posting. Will update as symptoms pass.
My sister had the flu about 10 days ago. I was around her once. She was feeling better and had no fever at the time. For about 24 hours now, I’ve been having a constant (bad) backache, headache a few times across the forehead, dizzy off and on, and random aches in legs and arms but not constant. I have no other symptoms besides losing my voice a few times and nausea a little off and on. No cough, fever or sore throat. Do these symptoms sound like anyone else?
I keep telling myself it’s not the flu but have never had it.
I had the same thing as you. After a week I’m still tired. Back pain got better. I still don’t know if that was the flu or not because I had no cough no sore throat.
Thank you for this blog. It is the fist time my back and joints hurt so bad. Now I know..
I’m surprised no mention of too much bed rest . I thought maybe my back was killing me because iv bin in bed so much and a bad back needs movement . I hope it is just the flu making my always sore back extremely painful.
Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. …
Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. …
Arthritis. …
Skeletal irregularities. …
Osteoporosis.