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What Causes Neck And Shoulder Pain Along With Low Grade Fever?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Nov 2014
Question: Hi, I'm a XXXXXXX female. Six days ago I had unilateral neck and shoulder pain, general achiness and low-grade fever (99.5), then sudden onset of rash on extremites with tingling on face and scalp. There's been moderate to stronger pain in my arms, wrists and hands; sometimes feeling as though they are "going to sleep". Hands are particularly painful in the morning and stiffened, ie can't make a fist, then gradual improvement to a point.
Rash has faded, some itchiness remains. Temperature is now sub-normal. Sed rate is 78
Your opinion/suggestions are appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Inflammatory Joint Disease

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would be happy to assist you. Your symptoms are suggestive of inflammatory joint disease. I would be in a better position to guide if you answer following questions:
1. Is there family history of joint pains?
2. For how long does pain remain in joints in the morning?
3. Does pain aggravates on rest and of you keep working then you don't feel pain?
4. Is there swelling around any joint?
5. Do you also feel pain in knee or ankle joint as well?
6. Any visual problem?
7. Did such problem occur in past? If yes then how did it settle?
8. Do you have any past history of chronic illness like hepatitis, TB, cancer, or any other illness?
9. Any history of recent weight loss or recent infection?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (3 hours later)
No severe joint pain in family history.
Hands hurt all day even with Prednisone and Mobic, which I have taken awhile.
Hands were swollen for couple of day and remain slightly so. Wrists mildly swollen.
Knees have had more sharp pain, but not constant.
Vision is blurry today.
Have not had this occur in the past.
Had bout of CMV in 1989-1990 followed by lingering symptoms (chronic fatigue).
Have lost 15 pounds in last 6 months with effort.

Could this be viral? If so, would it be contagious?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mostly Rheumatoid Arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them and my provisional diagnosis will be "Inflammatory Joint Disease" most probably Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is a disease involving small joints of the body. Exact cause is unknown but following risk factors contribute in developing:
> Genetic
> Autoimmunity
> Female Gender
> Smoking

It has Extra-articular manifestation(apart from joint) as well. Few of them include:
> Skin lesion
> fever
> Weight loss
> sleepiness in wrist
> Visual problem &
> Neck joint pain causing more neurological problems

You asked if it is viral or contagious. No it is neither viral nor contagious. I would suggest you to visit a Rheumatologist at a hospital near your home because its needs confirmation. He will perform examination in detail. There will be some basic lab investigations like RA factor, blood smear, X-ray of joint & chest and synovial fluid aspiration. If rheumatoid arthritis confirmed then treatment will be a combination of non-pharmacological & pharmacological.

a. Non-Pharmacological includes:
Rest, Exercise, heat & cold application

b. Pharmacological :
There will be a combination of drugs which will include NSAIDS, low dose steroids & DMARDs. These drugs are not OTC so you will be needing a prescription.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1312 Questions

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What Causes Neck And Shoulder Pain Along With Low Grade Fever?

Brief Answer: Inflammatory Joint Disease Detailed Answer: Hello My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem. I have gone through your query and would be happy to assist you. Your symptoms are suggestive of inflammatory joint disease. I would be in a better position to guide if you answer following questions: 1. Is there family history of joint pains? 2. For how long does pain remain in joints in the morning? 3. Does pain aggravates on rest and of you keep working then you don't feel pain? 4. Is there swelling around any joint? 5. Do you also feel pain in knee or ankle joint as well? 6. Any visual problem? 7. Did such problem occur in past? If yes then how did it settle? 8. Do you have any past history of chronic illness like hepatitis, TB, cancer, or any other illness? 9. Any history of recent weight loss or recent infection? I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours. Thank You