I Had Some Neck Pain About 5-6 Days Ago, Similar

Posted on Tue, 22 Dec 2020

Question: I had some neck pain about 5-6 days ago, similar to a strained muscle. The past 2-3 days the symptoms have evolved, the hair/scalp on the right side of my head feels very tender and sensitive, it feels like my hair hurts to the touch. The pain can be sharp and throbbing at times, and dull at other times. The pain can be pretty persistent. I also get rushing pressure headaches at times, but not very often. There are a few bumps present in the area of the pain, but not sure if they were present before the pain started.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible either herpes zoster or Horton artheritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using "Ask a doctor" service.

I understand your concern.

From your description it seems like it can be two possible diagnoses:
- Herpes zoster- please send a photo of the bumps so I can have a look and evaluate if that is the case.
- Horton arteritis (giant cell arteritis)- this is more possible. What you describe it is very typical only it doesn't happen much in your age, happens more in over 60 year old ages. But that doesn't mean this can be an exception. If this is the case it Horton disease can give vision damage. You need to see a local doctor and do the tests to confirm this diagnosis and take treatment. If the disease gives vision changes those are irriversible.

Hope this is helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Looking forward to your follow up question and a photo upload.

Kind regards,
Dr. Klarida Papaqako,
General and Family physician.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee