New research indicates that infection with the novel coronavirus leaves a genetic expression imprint on the nerve cells that transmit sensory information to the brain, which explains the prolonged sensation of pain after recovery from the illness. The study was discussed at the annual meeting of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in Philadelphia from April 2 to 5.
The data that the research was based on showed that between 4.7% to 80% of COVID-19 survivors experience symptoms for an extended period. About 12.6% of them suffered from chest or throat pain, 3.24% from muscle pain, and 11.6% from other types of pain.
The research team analyzed RNA sequencing data to uncover the biochemical effects of COVID-19 on pain signaling. They found that the virus leaves a genetic expression imprint in the dorsal root ganglia of the nerve cells that convey sensory data to the spinal cord and brain for processing, and this imprint persists even after recovery.
According to "Medical News Today," the inflammatory responses triggered by the virus lead to an activation of the nervous system and long-term hyper-sensitivity to pain and discomfort. Since the study has not yet been published in a scientific journal, its results are considered an interesting observation that requires further verification of potential other factors.
