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Severe Stiff Neck , Very Limited ROM, Headache In The

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Posted on Sat, 10 Nov 2018
Question: Severe stiff neck, Very limited ROM, headache in the back of the head. nothing helps. No injury that I know of. onset, 3 days ago.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Rest and continued medication...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The sudden onset pain may be due to muscle spasm or worsening of previous cervical spondylosis. Since the pain is severe it is wise to get X-ray of cervical spine and check for cervical spine status. Moreover I prefer prescription NSAID drugs over tramadol in the treatment of muscle stiffness. Your local primary care provider can order X-ray as well as prescribe medication.

In addition to the above medications I would also suggest you try:
1. A pain relief spray / applicant. You might use warm compresses after applying topical pain relief medication.
2. Rest and immobilization with neck collar. Your local doctor will know about this.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (6 minutes later)
I wrote another follow-up question. please advise
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 minutes later)
I don't think you got the 2d part of my question so I will ask again... What other symptoms could I be experiencing such as fever, elevating in B/P and/or pulse etc. if it were a more serious condition?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dizziness is one complaint that need attention...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the late reply. Let me answer to your query now.

A severe pain might trigger a physiological response of fever and elevated blood pressure. Those don't necessary mean a serious problem.

Some times a severe cervical spondylosis can impair blood supply to the brain. Dizziness, nausea and imbalance are few complaints that may indicate venous supply impairment.
Similarly a severe cervical spondylosis sometimes lead to nerve root compression. You may have tingling, numbness and weakness in the hands, fingers and the rest of the body.

Incase you have any of these complaints, it would be a good idea to see a doctor at the earliest.

Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need any other information.

Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3694 Questions

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Severe Stiff Neck , Very Limited ROM, Headache In The

Brief Answer: Rest and continued medication... Detailed Answer: Hi, The sudden onset pain may be due to muscle spasm or worsening of previous cervical spondylosis. Since the pain is severe it is wise to get X-ray of cervical spine and check for cervical spine status. Moreover I prefer prescription NSAID drugs over tramadol in the treatment of muscle stiffness. Your local primary care provider can order X-ray as well as prescribe medication. In addition to the above medications I would also suggest you try: 1. A pain relief spray / applicant. You might use warm compresses after applying topical pain relief medication. 2. Rest and immobilization with neck collar. Your local doctor will know about this. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards