COVID-19 Infection Can Lead to Neck Pain and Stiffness

Understanding the Link Between COVID-19 and Neck Pain

Many COVID-19 patients report experiencing neck pain and stiffness. Understanding the connection between coronavirus infection and these cervical symptoms can help manage this complication.

Respiratory Tract Inflammation Causes Throat and Neck Discomfort

COVID-19 is characterized by respiratory tract inflammation, often severely affecting the throat and lungs. This inflammation then radiates outward and can manifest as muscular neck soreness or pain with swallowing.

The cytokines unleashed during an immune response to COVID can create inflammation that sensitizes nerve endings and muscles structures in the neck resulting in achiness or tender areas to the touch.

Lymph Node Swelling and Pain a Common Symptom

Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are reported by many patients with COVID-19. Lymph nodes become inflamed as they work to filter out viral particles and antigens.

These swollen lymph nodes in the neck can cause discomfort with movement or pressure. Lymphadenopathy tends to affect areas like the posterior cervical chain near the hairline that may refer pain outward to the rest of the neck.

Common Neck Problems Reported with COVID-19

There are some usual specific suspects when it comes to neck pain associated with COVID-19 infection depending on individual factors.

Torticollis from Muscle Imbalances

Torticollis describes abnormal head positioning due to tight neck musculature causing the head to tilt or rotate to one side. The neck pain and spasms make it difficult to straighten the head.

This painful neck condition can manifest as a complication of COVID-19 when lymph node inflammation or nervous system impacts from inflammation trigger muscle imbalances in cervical spine structures.

Disk Herniations Creating Nerve Pain

The cervical spine contains disks between each vertebrae that can herniate and put pressure on nerve roots leading to neck and arm pain. COVID has been associated with disk issues.

Some researchers theorize the cytokine cascades launched to fight SARS-CoV-2 can degrade collagen structures like disk walls leading to easier injury. Stress on spines from severe coughing may also contribute to disk herniations.

Worsening Degenerative Changes Like Arthritis

Many older patients suffer from existing age-related degenerative neck issues like arthritis or spondylosis. The inflammation from battling coronavirus can exacerbate these problems.

Cartilage breakdown and bone spur formation associated with arthritis can accelerate due to collagen degradation pathways activated during COVID-19 infection, intensifying neck stiffness, reduced mobility and pain.

At Home Care and Pain Relief Methods for COVID Neck Pain

Mild to moderate neck pain related to COVID-19 often resolves itself with symptomatic home treatment and time. However, worsening pain warrants medical attention.

Alternating Hot and Cold Compresses

Applying ice packs cools inflammation offering neck pain relief. Heat packs bring increased blood flow to nourish tissues and ease cramped muscles. Alternate 20 minutes hot then 20 minutes cold for best results.

Consistent compression with a towel or special neck wrap also limits inflammation and provides support to uncomfortable neck structures impacted by COVID-19.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen can treat neck pain and swelling associated with COVID infection. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or muscle relaxers relieve painful spasms and discomfort.

Always follow dosing directions when taking over-the-counter medications for neck relief. Seek medical guidance regarding any contraindications relative to your health history.

Gentle Stretches and Exercise

Light range of motion exercises helps stiffness by moving fluid and blood to decrease swelling. Carefully tilt and rotate the head side to side or up and down based on comfort level.

Don't overdo activity level to the point of strain. Check with your physician before starting physiotherapy stretches or strength moves involving resistance bands.

Seeking Medical Care for Severe or Persistent Neck Symptoms

While home management helps most cases of COVID-related neck discomfort, progressively worsening pain warrants medical assessment to rule out serious complications.

Worsening Neurological Problems

Rarely, COVID neck pain may indicate urgent spinal cord trouble like myelitis or disk herniation with nerve compression. Seek emergency care for escalating numbness, weakness in limbs, loss of control over bladder or bowels.

Fever, altered mental status and severe fatigue alongside severe neck pain can reflect brain inflammation needing hospital level intervention to prevent permanent deficits.

Signs of Stroke

Severe headache and neck stiffness that arises suddenly, especially alongside neurological changes like one-sided weakness or vision loss could indicate stroke requiring rapid evaluation.

Blood clots are a common complication of coronavirus infection that can travel to the cerebral arteries. Swift diagnosis and clot busting treatments prevent irreversible brain damage in strokes.

Uncontrolled Pain Despite Treatment

In most cases, over-the-counter interventions and home care relieve COVID-related neck aches for full recovery. Progressive pain not responding to treatment or interfering with sleep warrants medical assessment.

Physicians may consider prescription medications or injections for stubborn cases. Referral to physical therapy or imaging tests may be needed to assess for structural abnormalities requiring specific intervention.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.