Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Associated with a Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

Objective of the Review: To describe the problem of chronic musculoskeletal pain associated with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Key Points. COVID-19 is a disease caused by the novel coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2, characterised by multiple organ damage, systemic immune inflammation, coagulopathy, and serious neuroendocrine and metabolic disorders. The consequences of COVID-19, even with a relatively favourable course of this disease, can be degenerative changes in many organs (primarily, diffuse fibrosis), various functional and mental disorders. Therefore, in some patients (10% to 50%, depending on the severity of the course of COVID-19), various symptoms of the disease persist for a long time after the acute manifestations of the infection subside. This condition has been called “post-COVID syndrome” (PCS), or “long-term COVID-19”. One of the main manifestations of PCS is musculoskeletal pain, weakness and fatigue. COVID-19-induced damage to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems can contribute to the exacerbation of diseases characterised by chronic pain. PCS management should be aimed at correcting functional disorders, pain control, and active rehabilitation of patients. Conclusion. Chronic pain is one of PCS manifestations that requires special attention, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive individual therapy. Keywords: COVID-19, post-COVID syndrome, musculoskeletal pain.

Pain Syndromes Associated with COVID-19 and Main Approaches to Their Treatment

“…После завершения острого периода болезни у ряда пациентов с острыми болевыми расстройствами имеются предпосылки для хронизации боли. Причиной этого являются дегенеративные и воспалительные изменения в структурах скелетно-мышечной системы, иммунные нарушения, патология периферической и центральной нервной систем, а также широкий спектр постковидной висцеральной патологии, формирующие неблагоприятный коморбидный фон [18]. В дополнение к перечисленным факторам, в роли потенциальных факторов риска в развитии хронического болевого синдрома могут выступать нарушение сна, социальная изоляция, психоэмоциональные проблемы (тревога, депрессия, посттравматическое стрессовое расстройство).…”