What Could Cause Stiffness In The Neck, Jaw Muscle Pain And Disorientation?

Posted on Sat, 2 Jul 2022

Question: About a week ago the glands under my right arm were swollen and sore. I sort of felt like I might be catching something because my head also ached. Then I got a low grade temp and was so tired, all I wanted to do was sleep for about 3 days. Then sleeping became restless because when I would cough (not a lot) my head would hurt and my neck and shoulder shoulders would ache. My left jaw muscle also was very stiff and tender. About 3 days ago I started taking Ibuprophen ever 6 hours and felt okay. But now if I don't take the Ibuprophen my neck starts to stiffen, my jaw muscle hurts, and I feel almost disoriented. This is very strange to me as I next to never get sick, but when I do it is with something obvious. Like Bronchitis or something.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely to be viral fever

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The fever and muscle pain/stiffness you are experiencing is likely to be due to viral infection. The symptoms will subside in 10 to 12 days of onset. Stay hydrated and continue Ibuprofen.
However, since you are complaining of neck stiffness, disturbed sleep, and occasional confusion, I recommend following up with the urgent care to undergo a detailed evaluation. With these symptoms, it is important to rule out more serious infection like meningitis, Lyme disease etc.

Hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

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

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (11 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. I waited until this morning to answer, giving it one more day so to speak. I feel more myself this morning, the stiffness in my neck, headache and disturbed sleep has left me. I think my confusion was caused more by anxiety. It seems to have dissipated as well. Again thank you.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Since the symptoms have already started subsiding, it is definitely just a viral illness. Nothing to be worried about
Stay hydrated and eat healthy balanced diet.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad