A new study done in Malta shows how the COVID-19 pandemic had effects that no one expected. Researchers found an alarming rise in people with chronic back pain, which made people worry about the long-term effects of lockdowns and being alone all the time.
Third of the 388 people who took part in the study had severe back pain before the pandemic, the study found. But after COVID-19 came out, this number shot through the roof to 49%. Notably, most of the second group said they had never had back pain before.
Experts stress that back pain doesn’t always mean you have COVID-19. Instead, it could be caused by a number of things, such as muscle strain, bad posture, or an underlying medical problem.
Besides COVID-19, other common illnesses like the flu and asthma can also cause back pain. Having fever, sneezing, coughing, and stuffy nose could be a sign of a more serious problem.
The study is a wake-up call that shows we need to take action to reduce the negative effects of social isolation and improve people’s health as a whole. As we become more aware of COVID-19’s hidden effects, we can work to make the future healthy and stronger.
What do you think are some good ways to deal with constant back pain when you don’t have anyone to talk to?