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Suggest Treatment For Stiffness In The Neck And Soreness In The Shoulder
Question: I have had a stiff neck for almost 2 weeks now. It starts at the base of my skull on the left side and extends down into my shoulder, which is also sore. Have tried heat, ice, icy hot and aspercreme with lidocaine znd nothing seems to help. Range of motion is non existent.
Brief Answer:
some suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
You may need to end up seeing a doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist to get relief but here are some things to try.
Do not use ice.
Use heat or warm compresses, warm moist heat is best. Do this for 15 minutes at least 4 times a day. After you heat the area do gentle stretches, just as far as you can without pain and hold it in each direction of stretch for 30 seconds at least.
Take ibuprofen or naproxen if you do not have medical conditions like ulcers or heart failure that would prevent you from doing this.
Buy a tens unit at the pharmacy and use that for some muscle stimulation as long as you do not have a pacemaker or any form of implanted cardiac devices.
Drink plenty of water and avoid things that dehydrate you like caffeine and alcohol.
You need to be drinking enough water so that you are urinating at least every 4 hours while you are away. This flushes out toxin that build up with muscle spasms like this.
CAUTION: if you have fever, weaknss in any part of your body or visual changes go directly to Emergency.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Dr. Robinson
some suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
You may need to end up seeing a doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist to get relief but here are some things to try.
Do not use ice.
Use heat or warm compresses, warm moist heat is best. Do this for 15 minutes at least 4 times a day. After you heat the area do gentle stretches, just as far as you can without pain and hold it in each direction of stretch for 30 seconds at least.
Take ibuprofen or naproxen if you do not have medical conditions like ulcers or heart failure that would prevent you from doing this.
Buy a tens unit at the pharmacy and use that for some muscle stimulation as long as you do not have a pacemaker or any form of implanted cardiac devices.
Drink plenty of water and avoid things that dehydrate you like caffeine and alcohol.
You need to be drinking enough water so that you are urinating at least every 4 hours while you are away. This flushes out toxin that build up with muscle spasms like this.
CAUTION: if you have fever, weaknss in any part of your body or visual changes go directly to Emergency.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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