Common Causes of Neck Pain and Cold Symptoms
There are numerous causes of neck pain; when associated with the common cold or similar illnesses like sinus infections, a handful of factors are usually to blame.
Common Causes
In general, cold and flu viruses tend to make your muscles achy and sore. There also are several lymph nodes (also called glands) in the neck that can become swollen and tender with illness. Swollen lymph nodes can make your neck feel stiff. They may even become so swollen that they feel like lumps in your neck.
When you’re lying down for long periods, such as when you’re sick, it’s also easy for your neck to become tired. You may also experience a kink in your neck while getting the extra sleep you need in order to recover.
It is also possible that sore throat pain can radiate to the neck, a phenomenon known as referred pain. In such cases, there may also be otalgia (ear pain).
Treatment Options
There are several things you can do to ease neck pain associated with a cold or flu-like illness at home. These include oral, topical, and home remedies that are sometimes combined to provide relief.
Ice and Heat Application
A simple and effective way to ease neck pain from a cold or flu virus is to use an ice pack or heating pad. Heat can relax tense muscles in the neck, while ice can reduce inflammation. There are no clear-cut guidelines on which is most effective, so you may need to experiment.
Oral Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help relieve neck pain, but be sure to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you’re taking other medications, as they could interact badly with OTC pain relievers.
Topical Medications
Some people may find relief from OTC topical ointments intended to relieve muscle aches. These include menthol (mint oils) like Icy Hot, salicylates (aspirin-containing creams) like Aspercreme, and capsaicin, an ingredient found in hot peppers.
Summary
Neck pain commonly occurs with a cold and usually has simple causes, such as muscle aches, pain from remaining in the same position for too long, or a kink from sleeping. A sore neck caused by a cold can usually be managed at home with oral pain relievers, hot or cold packs, and topical medications such as Icy Hot or capsaicin. If you have a severe stiff neck, see a healthcare provider right away, as it could be a symptom of meningitis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neck pain is a common symptom of the common cold or flu, and there are several ways to manage it at home. However, if you experience a severe stiff neck, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out meningitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the common causes of neck pain?
A: Common causes of neck pain include muscle aches, pain from remaining in the same position for too long, or a kink from sleeping.
Q: What are some effective ways to ease neck pain?
A: Effective ways to ease neck pain include using ice packs or heating pads, taking oral pain relievers, and using topical ointments.
Q: What are some signs that I should seek medical attention for my neck pain?
A: If you experience a severe stiff neck, or if you have a fever, headache, or difficulty waking up, you should seek medical attention.
