Back Pain and Fever: What It Means and How to Treat It

Prolonged back pain is a sign of a weak immune system. Back pain and fever make the body vulnerable to infections in the brain, spinal cord, arms, lower back, and more. Further, back pain can increase discomfort and stress levels, which raises body temperature, contributing to a low-grade fever. If you’re experiencing fever and back pain, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. 

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Recognising key symptoms helps differentiate regular strain from serious issues. When lower back pain and fever occur together, it's crucial to track other signs that may indicate infection, inflammation, or organ involvement.

Pain Localisation and Intensity

Pain might feel dull, sharp, or radiate to the legs. When accompanied by fever and back pain, it often points to deeper causes like spinal infections or kidney issues that need urgent care.

Neurological Symptoms

Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness could suggest nerve involvement. When these symptoms appear with back pain and fever, infections like a spinal abscess should be ruled out immediately.

Systemic Symptoms

Fatigue, chills, and sweating with lower back pain and fever often suggest your body is fighting an infection. Watch for persistent high temperatures and general malaise as potential red flags.

Movement Restrictions

Severe stiffness or trouble bending can occur. If this is paired with back pain with fever, it may point to inflammation of spinal tissues or surrounding organs, demanding medical evaluation.

Pain That Worsens Over Time

Pain that intensifies over days or fails to respond to rest may suggest something more than strain. Combined fever and back pain could indicate worsening infection needing prompt antibiotic therapy.

6 Possible Causes of Back Pain With Fever

Experiencing fever and back pain at the same time may indicate more than just routine muscle strain. These symptoms together can signal serious infections or internal health concerns that require prompt attention. Understanding the possible causes of back pain and fever helps in early identification and treatment of potentially critical conditions.

Spinal Epidural Abscess

Accumulating pus in the epidural space can compress the spinal cord leading to this condition. The underlying cause of a spinal epidural abscess is a bacterial infection. If left untreated, the disease can damage the nervous system and lead to death.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis refers to a painful bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi. Vertebral osteomyelitis (Spinal osteomyelitis) is a rare spinal infection and can result from an injury to the spine or develop after surgery. The condition can also start in other body regions and reach the spine through the bloodstream.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord results in meningitis. The swelling can lead to headaches, fever, seizures, and more. This condition can develop because of bacteria, fungi, tuberculosis, parasites, cancer, and chemical/drug reactions.

Spinal Cord Abscess

Like the conditions mentioned above, spinal cord abscess involves permanent damage to the spine. The white blood cells target the infection around the spine, which leads to the build-up of pus. Eventually, the individual may lose control of their bladder and experience paralysis/numbness.

Kidney Infection

This urinary tract infection can begin in the urethra or the bladder and move to one or both kidneys. Kidney infections are also referred to as pyelonephritis. Bacterial infections from other body regions can travel through the bloodstream leading to this condition. A lower back pain and fever combination can be a key symptom of a progressing kidney infection.

Rhabdomyolysis

The damage to muscle tissues can release muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream leading to rhabdomyolysis. Myoglobin (protein) is removed from injury to muscle fibers. When the kidney filters this protein, it breaks down into substances that damage the organ’s cells. This condition can also be caused by injury or illnesses that harm the skeletal muscles.

Diagnosis of Lower Back Pain

Accurate diagnosis is essential when facing fever and back pain. Early identification through tests and scans ensures timely treatment and avoids long-term complications from infections or neurological damage.

Medical History and Symptom Review

Doctors will assess your symptoms, recent infections, and health history. Reporting both lower back pain and fever ensures a more focused diagnosis for potential spinal or kidney infections.

Physical Examination

A physical exam checks for tenderness, reflexes, and movement limitations. When back pain and fever are present, these checks help identify possible spinal or abdominal involvement.

Blood Tests

Tests can confirm infection via elevated white blood cell counts or inflammatory markers. These are crucial when you report back pain with fever, especially if no external injury is visible.

Imaging Techniques

MRI or CT scans help detect spinal abscesses or kidney inflammation. These are often ordered when fever and back pain are persistent or unexplained through physical exams.

Urine and Kidney Function Tests

To rule out UTIs or kidney infections, urine tests are vital. If you're experiencing lower back pain and fever, these simple screenings can uncover early signs of internal infection.

Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain with Fever

Treating back pain and fever starts with finding the root cause—muscular, infectious, or neurological. Timely care helps prevent worsening symptoms or irreversible damage to nerves or organs.

Antibiotic Therapy

Infections causing fever and back pain are treated with antibiotics. These may be oral or intravenous depending on the severity and source of the infection.

Pain Management

NSAIDs or muscle relaxants may be used cautiously. When treating lower back pain and fever, doctors ensure medication doesn’t mask serious underlying infection symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Safe only after infection control, physiotherapy helps restore strength and mobility. Back pain with fever should never be treated with exercise until the root cause is confirmed.

Surgical Intervention

Spinal infections or abscesses may require surgical drainage. Severe cases presenting with fever and back pain, and neurological deficits demand urgent surgical attention.

Can Normal Back Pain Cause Fever?

As discussed earlier, lower back pain and fever could signify a weak immune system. Usually, lower back pain and fever may subside after a couple of days and are usually not accompanied by fever. However, if it is back pain with fever and chills, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection or inflammation that needs medical attention. 

Back Pain and Fever in Women and Elderly

Women may experience back pain and fever during urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases, or kidney infections. Hormonal fluctuations can also influence pain perception and immune response.

In the elderly, these symptoms could signal conditions such as spinal infections, degenerative disc issues, or early signs of sepsis. Because older adults often have weakened immune systems, fever and back pain in this age group should be assessed immediately.

When to Seek Help for Fever and Back Pain 

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to a professional immediately:

• Recurring and increasing lower back pain and fever that doesn’t reduce with medications
• Tingling or numbness (waist down)
• Weakness in the legs
• Loss of bowel movement or bladder control
• Radiating pain in the legs

Get to the Root Cause of Your Back Pain & Fever With Physiotattva

Back pain and fever of this kind may develop into a severe condition. Seeking treatment for the same is the first step to recovery. At Physiotattva, we provide quality services and care to help overcome various illnesses. Our experts aim to reduce such infections associated with back pain and fever through consultations and home visits.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the red flag signs for back pain with fever?

It is essential to be aware of the following red flag signs for back pain with fever-

• Weakness in the legs
• Numbness and tingling
• Loss of appetite
• Radiating and frequent back pains that do not reduce with pain medications
• Loss of bladder control
• Frequent fevers

What should I do if I have a fever and back pain?

If you experience back pain and fever, you must immediately consult an expert for treatment and physiotherapy. You can overcome disorders that may damage your nervous system (brain and spine) with effective treatment.

Can pain cause fever?

Yes, pain can indirectly lead to fever. When the body experiences prolonged or severe pain—such as from infections, injuries, or inflammation—it may activate an immune response. This can raise body temperature, causing fever and back pain symptoms simultaneously.

Is lower back pain and fever always a sign of infection?

Not always, but lower back pain and fever together can be warning signs of an underlying infection or inflammatory condition. While muscle strain or fatigue alone may not cause fever, infections like kidney issues or spinal abscesses often present with both symptoms and should be evaluated by a medical professional.