A New Hidden Danger For Anyone 65+ During COVID-19

By: Dr. Arnan Sisson, PT

Feb 1, 2021

We all know the risk’s tied to Coronavirus, and since March we’ve all kept up our social distancing, worn our masks, and even many now are finally getting their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination. But what’s a huge problem many seniors in the Northern Neck are facing and are completely unprotected from since the outbreak of COVID-19?

It’s simple… back pain. And not just any old back ache or stiffness. We’re talking about debilitating back or sciatic pain that’s severely affecting peoples lives during and even after the pandemic is long over.

So, you may be asking, “why are we having surges in the cases of back pain in people with/without COVID-19? Doesn’t this virus mainly focus on respiratory function?” Well, the answer is that its not the virus itself that’s causing these back issues. It’s the change in daily activity and new stressors introduced to the back since lock down.

Since last March, more people are working from home, not going out with friends as much, reducing exercise, and just reducing overall activity. This leads to much more sitting which crunches the vertebrae of the back in a stressful position and strains/stiffness the supportive muscles of the back.

We’ve actually seen a sky rocking increase in cases of back and neck pain during the pandemic as early as late April of last year in our PT practice in Montross.

Just like wearing your masks and using hand sanitizer can protect you from getting COVID 19. Folks can use movement to reduce their odds of developing pandemic related back pain.

More specifically getting up every 30 minutes for a short walk in your home can counter the stress from sitting. And committing to a simple daily home exercise routine you can stick to can protect you during the crazy time.

Want to find some more simple tricks to off put stress to your back during the pandemic? Check out our top 12 page report on ways to reduce back pain and get time back with your family/friends. Today you can grab it completely free here! Or give us a ring at (804) 493-3256 to get a free physical copy of the 9 Tip Report along with some extra goodies.