Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Stiff Neck In Cancer Patient?
My mother in law, 78 has stage 4 small cell lung cancer and is receiving chemo. She is also on an antibiotic to treat pneumonia. She has a stiff neck and can't eat or drink from the pain in her neck. Is this a side effect of the antibiotic or could it be the cancer?
Wed, 26 Aug 2015
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
The neck stiffness might be due to trapping of nerves from the lung cancer. The nerves in the neck originate from the cervical spine and are called as brachial plexus. It is possible that the cancer in lung is in the apex and therefore pinching the nerves and roots to cause pressure on the nerves.
This leads to muscle stiffening and probably leads to stiff and painful neck. Please apply pain relief and muscle relaxant ointment and sprays over the area to reduce any pain and ease neck movements. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
The neck stiffness might be due to trapping of nerves from the lung cancer. The nerves in the neck originate from the cervical spine and are called as brachial plexus. It is possible that the cancer in lung is in the apex and therefore pinching the nerves and roots to cause pressure on the nerves.
This leads to muscle stiffening and probably leads to stiff and painful neck. Please apply pain relief and muscle relaxant ointment and sprays over the area to reduce any pain and ease neck movements. Please do not worry.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Neck pain
Loading Online Doctors....