What Causes Pain And Stiffness Of The Neck?

Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017

Question: Hello...I'm 40 yrs old...I have a degenerated disc which causes neck stiffness and aches...As of Friday morning I woke up with a stiff painful neck on the left side (like behind the ear)...I did my typical stretches I learned from physical therapy previously, iced the area and or used heat and took ibuprofen...however as of this morning I woke up with the left side of my face looking droopy...my smile is off...as well as when I blink, the left eye is somewhat behind from the right eye while blinking, also my tongue (left side) feels somewhat numb...overall the left side is somewhat numb which is the same side of where my neck hurts...not sure if this is due to the neck pain?

Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI brain

Detailed Answer:
hi there,

Sorry to hear about your current issues.

It is unlikely it is from the neck.

Do you have weakness anywhere else?
Do you have migraines or anxiety?

Have you had this before?

Regardless of the cause, you need an MRI of the brain to rule out a stroke.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (27 minutes later)

No migraines... I am currently under a lot of stress with some anxiety... I'm able to function overall though...so I assume a visit to the ER is needed?.... and by the way yes weakness on the left shoulder and arm... which is common when I'm having the neck issues...

Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should visit the nearest ED ASAP

Detailed Answer:
you should visit the ER as soon as possible. there's no other way to say that you're not having a stroke

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana