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Suggest Treatment For Neck Pain And Stiffness With Back Pain
Question: Hi Doctor,
I am in USA. I have been having a stiff neck for almost 5 months now and the muscles in both my arms ( especially right arm ) hurt. Almost all the time, I experience pain when I turn my neck in at least one direction. I feel sleepy on and off and since last week I feel a little stiffness in some of the nerves in my head. I had back pain earlier but it has subsided.
I tried getting some massages and going to chiropractor. They gave me temporary relief but the pain comes back. I am able to perform all the daily activities as usual, but I am concerned about the symptoms ( especially sleepiness and stiffness of nerves in the head ). I met my primary doctor several times but she thinks this is all because of anxiety.
From the symptoms, what do you think the problem could be ? What steps do you suggest ?
I am in USA. I have been having a stiff neck for almost 5 months now and the muscles in both my arms ( especially right arm ) hurt. Almost all the time, I experience pain when I turn my neck in at least one direction. I feel sleepy on and off and since last week I feel a little stiffness in some of the nerves in my head. I had back pain earlier but it has subsided.
I tried getting some massages and going to chiropractor. They gave me temporary relief but the pain comes back. I am able to perform all the daily activities as usual, but I am concerned about the symptoms ( especially sleepiness and stiffness of nerves in the head ). I met my primary doctor several times but she thinks this is all because of anxiety.
From the symptoms, what do you think the problem could be ? What steps do you suggest ?
Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised and visit a neurologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Neck pain and stiffness at this age with history of back pain requires evaluation for ankylosing spondylitis.
Is there any pain and swelling in other joints of body especially hand.
Other possibility may be cervical spondylosis.
You need to get examined by a neurologist for further investigation. MRI of cervical region and blood tests like ESR, Rheumatoid factor and HLA B27 may be required.
Pain killers with muscle relaxant and pain modulator drugs like Pregabalin or Amitryptiline or Gabapentin may be used.
Physiotherapy for neck isometric exercises will help.
Headache in Occipital region may be a part of neck problem and nothing else.
Sleepiness may be due to some drugs being taken.
Provide any investigation or treatment if administered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Wishing you a good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Take treatment as advised and visit a neurologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Neck pain and stiffness at this age with history of back pain requires evaluation for ankylosing spondylitis.
Is there any pain and swelling in other joints of body especially hand.
Other possibility may be cervical spondylosis.
You need to get examined by a neurologist for further investigation. MRI of cervical region and blood tests like ESR, Rheumatoid factor and HLA B27 may be required.
Pain killers with muscle relaxant and pain modulator drugs like Pregabalin or Amitryptiline or Gabapentin may be used.
Physiotherapy for neck isometric exercises will help.
Headache in Occipital region may be a part of neck problem and nothing else.
Sleepiness may be due to some drugs being taken.
Provide any investigation or treatment if administered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Wishing you a good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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