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Experiencing Nerve Pain In Upper Back And Neck. Could This Be Due To Coughing?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Dec 2013
Question: I'm getting over a virus and have asthma so have been coughing quite a bit. I'm feeling better but now in the evening have been experiencing what feels like nerve pains in my left upper back and neck and side when I breath.. Goes away in a few hours but comes back the next night. I just was awakened by this pain which settled in lower left neck. Could this be from all the coughing? It is worse tonight than it's been the past 2 evenings.
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Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Attributed to irritation of Diaphragm Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to irritation of Diaphragm, secondary to the viral infection. Phrenic nerve is the nerve supplying the diaphragm, which helps in respiration. Due to the viral infection, presence of fluid or focus of infection in the pleura, there is irritation of Diaphragm during continuous bouts of cough, which gets referred to the back & neck as nerve pains (the symptoms as mentioned in your post) Investigation like X ray of the chest will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Based upon that, further management steps could be taken. So, it will be better to consult your treating Doctor & discuss regarding this. Till then, maintain adequate nutrition & hydration status and continue your medications. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Please let me know if I need to clarify further. Wishing you a good health. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (12 hours later)
Thank you for your help.
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Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (31 hours later)
Brief Answer: Thanks for your appreciation Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your appreciation. Wishing you a Healthy Life. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Polash Sannigrahi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3353 Questions

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Experiencing Nerve Pain In Upper Back And Neck. Could This Be Due To Coughing?

Brief Answer: Attributed to irritation of Diaphragm Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to irritation of Diaphragm, secondary to the viral infection. Phrenic nerve is the nerve supplying the diaphragm, which helps in respiration. Due to the viral infection, presence of fluid or focus of infection in the pleura, there is irritation of Diaphragm during continuous bouts of cough, which gets referred to the back & neck as nerve pains (the symptoms as mentioned in your post) Investigation like X ray of the chest will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Based upon that, further management steps could be taken. So, it will be better to consult your treating Doctor & discuss regarding this. Till then, maintain adequate nutrition & hydration status and continue your medications. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Please let me know if I need to clarify further. Wishing you a good health. Take care.