Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?

Q: Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?

Dear readers： Regarding the question "<Is back pain after receiving the flu vaccine a side effect of the vaccine?>", here is the response：<br>I. <br>Please refer to the CDC's Q&A： http：//www.cdc.gov.tw/qa.aspx? <br>Q1： Is the flu vaccine safe? What side effects may occur? <br>A：

Experiencing lower back pain after receiving the flu vaccine?

Hello doctor, I received the flu vaccine on Friday afternoon, and since then my lower back has been very sore.
Is this a side effect of the vaccine? I need to take care of my child, and especially after sitting in the car, my back feels even more sore.
How many days should I wait before seeing a doctor? Should I see a family medicine doctor or a rehabilitation specialist? Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/13

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers: Regarding the question "", here is the response:
I.
Please refer to the CDC's Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/qa.aspx?
Q1: Is the flu vaccine safe? What side effects may occur?
A: This year, the government has procured vaccines from three manufacturers that comply with the registration regulations of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration, and have been approved for use/import by our drug regulatory authorities.
Like any other medication, vaccines can potentially cause side effects, such as immediate allergic reactions, but the likelihood is quite low.
After vaccination, there may be pain and swelling at the injection site, and a small number of individuals may experience mild systemic reactions, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, skin itching, hives, or rashes, which generally resolve on their own within 1-2 days.
Severe side effects, such as immediate allergic reactions or even anaphylactic shock (clinical manifestations include difficulty breathing, hoarseness, wheezing, swelling of the eyes or lips, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, etc.), if they occur, typically present symptoms within minutes to hours after vaccination.
Other sporadically reported adverse events include neurological symptoms (such as brachial plexus neuritis, facial nerve paralysis, heat cramps, myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome presenting as symmetrical paralysis) and hematological symptoms (such as transient thrombocytopenia, clinically manifested by skin purpura or petechiae, and difficulty stopping bleeding).
Aside from the 1976 swine flu vaccine, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine, and some seasonal flu vaccines, which epidemiological studies have confirmed may be associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, there is little concrete statistical data proving a link between flu vaccination and other adverse events.
Q2: What precautions should be taken after receiving the flu vaccine?
A: 1.
There is a very small chance of experiencing an immediate allergic reaction leading to anaphylactic shock after vaccination.
To ensure immediate medical intervention if such an event occurs, individuals should rest at the vaccination site or nearby for at least 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine and leave only after feeling well.

2.
For those using antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications or with coagulation disorders, pressure should be applied to the injection site for at least 2 minutes after vaccination, and one should monitor for any bleeding or hematoma.

3.
After vaccination, monitor for any persistent fever (lasting more than 48 hours), difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or changes in consciousness or behavior.
If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly, informing the physician of the relevant symptoms, the timing of symptom onset, and the vaccination time for diagnostic reference, and report to the local health bureau or disease control agency.

4.
Although receiving the vaccine significantly reduces the likelihood of contracting the influenza virus, it is still possible to suffer from other respiratory infections; therefore, please continue to pay attention to personal hygiene and various preventive measures to maintain health.
These are common side effects; please refer to them.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2017/11/13

More Info

After receiving a flu vaccine, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience localized discomfort or pain in the area where the injection was administered. This is typically a result of the body's immune response to the vaccine, which can cause inflammation and soreness. However, lower back pain that arises after vaccination, especially if it persists or worsens, may warrant further investigation.

In your case, the onset of lower back pain following the flu vaccine could potentially be related to several factors. First, it is essential to consider that the flu vaccine is administered intramuscularly, usually in the upper arm, and while it is less common, some individuals may experience referred pain or discomfort in other areas of the body due to muscle tension or changes in posture after vaccination. Additionally, if you are caring for children and engaging in activities that require lifting or bending, this could contribute to muscle strain or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, leading to lower back pain.

Typically, vaccine-related side effects, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and mild fever, resolve within a few days. If your lower back pain persists beyond a few days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, weakness in the legs, or changes in bowel or bladder function, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
When considering where to seek care, starting with a family medicine physician (家醫科) is a good option. They can perform a thorough evaluation, assess your symptoms, and determine if further imaging or referral to a specialist, such as a rehabilitation physician (復健科), is necessary. Rehabilitation specialists can provide targeted treatment options, including physical therapy, to help alleviate pain and improve function.

In summary, while mild soreness after vaccination is common, persistent or worsening lower back pain should not be ignored. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if the pain does not improve within a few days or if it significantly impacts your daily activities. Taking care of your back and ensuring proper lifting techniques while caring for children can also help prevent further discomfort.

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