Stiff/sore neck, very hard time looking up and down? Won't go away?
Question posted by nlawson567 on 9 March 2015
Last updated on 9 March 2024 by jgdolecki
Yesterday in the middle of the day I noticed my neck was stiff and very sore. Especially the very back of the neck, from the base of my skull all the way down to my shoulder. It's very hard to touch my chin to my chest, I can feel my muscle straining and it feels painful. It also hurts to look all the way up. I don't notice any other symptoms other than a slight headache and my neck is hot to the touch. (but no fever)
I've tried putting a warm cloth on it, I've tried slowly stretching it and also have taken ibuprofen. No improvement.
I cannot think of any reason why this is happening. I didn't wake up with it, I just noticed it randomly during the middle of the day yesterday. What could be causing this? Should I be concerned? How long should this last?
Also, what can I do to help ease the pain or make it less stiff?
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6 Answers
JG
jgdolecki
9 March 2024
i have the same condition. have you gotten any responses to your condition
Votes: +0
SH
Sharoncolleen
15 May 2020
I too have a very stiff and sore neck. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about two months ago. Have you been diagnosed also? If so, then that's what it is. It can hit the neck as well as the spine and coxyxx area. I use a heated up beanbag and 'Robax' which is an over-the-counter muscle relaxer. It helps but my neck is still stiff and sore. I don't know how long this will last. I was given T-3 for the pain but that doesn't seem to help either. Have you got someone that can massage your neck? Have you tried Voltaren? That's all the suggestions I have and these came from my doc. Sharon
Votes: +0
MA
Mary1912
11 March 2018
Yes, I have had the same issue for a while now and I think it has to do with tension or stress
Votes: +0
VE
veneranda
3 April 2015
Hi Two weeks ago I was put on a higher dose of LYRICA for various pains after taking this higher dose I developed the same pain you have and is very painful . This morning I went on my PC and found a lot of people had the same symptoms , so I stopped the LYRICA even before I read all of the posts. I felt better within 1 hr now it is 10 hrs later and I have no neck or shoulder pain. please check if any medication is the cause. hope this helps
Votes: +0
VE
veneranda
2 April 2015
Hi I have the same symptoms and at the base of my neck is unbearable to touch or to lift my head back , I found that a cold pack at night helps slightly. I was taking 75 mg of LYRICA long before this happened for other pain and nothing helped,so I stopped taking this medication. On my next visit to my specialist he wanted me to take 150 mg morning and night, the night time was ok but after 150 mg in the morning I had a lot of trouble controlling myself, so I went back to 75 mg only in the mornings and 150 mg at night.
After that day I got the neck symptoms I have had it for 2 weeks and not getting any better I have been to my GP and have had a treatment from my Osteopathy also she could not understand the pain I had at the base of my neck. As of today I am not taking anymore LYRICA I am convinced that this is the cause, this morning I took Meloxicam for inflammation and as I am replying to your post I am not in as much pain as I expected .
Hope this helps
Votes: +0
HE
heatherlocust
10 March 2015
Bless your heart I feel your pain. I've had neck and upper back/shoulder pain since 2008 due to injury so I know you're having a hard time. If you disnt injure yourself you could still be "injured". Depending on deteriorating disease, age and things like that, disk can "slip" easily sometimes but that wouldn't cause too much pain unless it impinges on a nerve. It might just be a strain from working at the computer or reading or anything though. Also if you're under emotional stress that can cause some pretty bad neck pain because you hold tension you don't even realize. I wonder if your grinding your teeth at night? That can cause a lot of stress and pain. Id try using ice for the first 24-48 hours off and on to help take down inflammation, and then do heat. Keep taking your ibuprophen as directed. Try a warm bath and some relaxation techniques. Smelling lavender helps me relax.
Don't try and stretch too much for a couple days but then stretch. If it's not feeling better in a couple days then go see the dr. I hope you feel better soon.
Votes: +0
JA
Jacob56
14 Aug 2016
I need some help with my neck it hurts really bad I don't know what to do