Question:

I woke up this morning with sudden back pain and a low grade fever?

Answer:

If the fever does persist for more than 2 or 3 days, this may be due to a more serious infection or underlying condition which will require a doctor consultation. An imaging test will then be required as well as further testing after examination. In the meantime if symptoms worsen today or tomorrow, I recommend you visit an ER just to be on the safe side.

Below is a more comprehensive answer:

Causes of back pain and shortness of breath include:

Muscle strain

Muscle strains respond well to rest, ice or heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

A muscle strain typically goes away after a few days, but if it lasts longer, the doctor can prescribe stronger medications, such as a muscle relaxant, to help relieve the discomfort.

Pneumonia

Either a virus or bacteria can cause pneumonia. If the pneumonia is bacterial, a person may need antibiotics to clear up the infection completely. Some people may require hospitalization and supportive care to prevent further complications.

Excess Weight

Being overweight means the muscles of the back have to work harder to support the basic activities of daily life. Having extra fat around the chest or back can also make it harder to breathe or take a deep breath.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes chest pain, heartburn, or a sour taste in the mouth.

Simple home remedies, such as not eating before lying down and avoiding common triggers can also help prevent GERD. Potential triggers include acidic foods, citrus, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol.

Gallbladder Disease

If a person has gallbladder stones, they may need surgery to remove the stones or the entire gallbladder. Someone who is susceptible to developing stones should avoid eating fatty foods, which can worsen bile production and increase the likelihood of developing stones.

Aortic Dissection

An aortic dissection occurs when there is a tear in the aorta, causing blood to leak into the vessel walls. This is a very rare condition but causes severe back pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and sweating.

An aortic dissection is a life-threatening event that requires immediate treatment. Depending on where the dissection is, emergency surgery may be necessary.

Other Causes Include:

• Cancer of the spine: A  tumor on the spine may press against a nerve, resulting in back pain.
• Infection of the spine: A  fever and a tender, warm area on the back could be due to an infection of the spine.
• Other infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder, or kidney infections may also lead to back pain.
• Sleep disorders: Individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience back pain, compared with others.
• Shingles: An infection that can affect the nerves may lead to back pain. This depends on which nerves are affected.
• Cauda equina syndrome: The cauda equine is a bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the lower end of the spinal cord. Symptoms include a dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks, as well as numbness in the buttocks, genitalia, and thighs. There are sometimes bowel and bladder function disturbances.