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What Causes Pain And Stiffness In The Neck Muscles?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017
Question: Hello, I feel a pressing sensation coming from behind/above my eyeball associated with extending my neck upwards and tucking my chin forward. It has been this way for a few weeks that I can remember. It goes away if I press on the muscle on the side of my neck. I can never reproduce it when pressing on the left side of my neck. Even if I repeatedly readjust my chin tuck/neck extension several times, it will not happen while pressing the muscle on the side of my neck. Usually when I try and exhaust my trapezius by doing a 30 second full muscular contraction on the affected side, the pain disappears temporarily. Then I will often try to elicit the pain again by shifting the chin tuck neck extension, and within a few minutes it usually occurs again as before. My concerns are - does this sound like a tumor, or some spinal inflammation, could be it something sinus related? Is it just overworked muscles? It does not hurt unless I am doing this weird head positioning. It does not bother me except when I adjust my head in this way.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not a tumor.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

I don't think your symptoms are related with any tumors, neither to a sinus infection.

Most likely these symptoms are related to muscular conditions of the neck such strained muscles, wry neck etc.

Inflammation of the neck also is a possibility, but less likely than muscular conditions.

It is necessary to get a treatment for few days with warm procedures on neck, NSAID drugs use ( Ibuprofen for example ) and muscles relaxers ( Tiocolchicoside for example ).

If there will be no improvement after few days with these measures, imaging studies of the neck such x-rays and MRI are necessary to evaluate a probable inflammatory condition.

Discuss with your primary care Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Pain And Stiffness In The Neck Muscles?

Brief Answer: Not a tumor. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. I don't think your symptoms are related with any tumors, neither to a sinus infection. Most likely these symptoms are related to muscular conditions of the neck such strained muscles, wry neck etc. Inflammation of the neck also is a possibility, but less likely than muscular conditions. It is necessary to get a treatment for few days with warm procedures on neck, NSAID drugs use ( Ibuprofen for example ) and muscles relaxers ( Tiocolchicoside for example ). If there will be no improvement after few days with these measures, imaging studies of the neck such x-rays and MRI are necessary to evaluate a probable inflammatory condition. Discuss with your primary care Doctor about these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.