Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Stiffness In The Neck Along With Cold And Cough
Question: Hi, I have what seems to be a stiff neck. I have pain in my lower neck going into the top of my shoulder on the left side. I can turn my head to the right, but when I turn it to the left it feels as if the muscle is pulling. It's not a terrible pain, just annoying. I've had it for four days. I also recently contracted a cold. I have chills, cough. I'm not sure it's associated with the cold that I have or my terrible sleeping habit of falling asleep in the couch in a bent position. My sister-in-law and her family and a girl in my office have all had a cold recently also. They all ended up getting antibiotics from the doctor. What can I do to get rid of the nagging ache in my upper back and neck?
Brief Answer:
Some information:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Well, that sounds miserable - to have an upper respiratory virus plus a strained neck. Likely having chills and aches from the virus will make the muscle strain feel worse too.
I see that Salonpas has camphor and menthol in it. That should be fine.
If you have not ongoing stomach problems or other contraindications to taking an NSAID, take ibuprofen up to 3 times a day, after you have food in your stomach. That will help the pain and inflammation and also the chills you are having from the virus. If you can't take NSAIDs, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will help.
While your muscle strain is recovering, be sure to sleep with good support in your bed. You may want to roll up a soft cloth or small towel to provide support under your neck. There are also pillows sold for this purpose.
Acupuncture, with a trained practitioner (best if they were trained in China) can help too. Usually it only takes 2 -3 sessions to completely relieve a strain like this.
After you get over the cold, if the neck/back muscle aching is still there, see a physical therapist for exercises.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Some information:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Well, that sounds miserable - to have an upper respiratory virus plus a strained neck. Likely having chills and aches from the virus will make the muscle strain feel worse too.
I see that Salonpas has camphor and menthol in it. That should be fine.
If you have not ongoing stomach problems or other contraindications to taking an NSAID, take ibuprofen up to 3 times a day, after you have food in your stomach. That will help the pain and inflammation and also the chills you are having from the virus. If you can't take NSAIDs, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will help.
While your muscle strain is recovering, be sure to sleep with good support in your bed. You may want to roll up a soft cloth or small towel to provide support under your neck. There are also pillows sold for this purpose.
Acupuncture, with a trained practitioner (best if they were trained in China) can help too. Usually it only takes 2 -3 sessions to completely relieve a strain like this.
After you get over the cold, if the neck/back muscle aching is still there, see a physical therapist for exercises.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Just wanted to thank you for your answer. It helps a lot. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you feel better soon!
If, in the future, you ask another question and want it routed to me, just put my name at the beginning of the question (or Dr. Bonnie) and I will see it. This (usually) works.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you feel better soon!
If, in the future, you ask another question and want it routed to me, just put my name at the beginning of the question (or Dr. Bonnie) and I will see it. This (usually) works.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
