stiff neck and pain

[mdunn001]

Im 34 yr. old, healthy. 3 weeks ago I woke up with a stiff neck. At first I thought I slept wrong. After a couple days and still having the stiffness I changed my pillow. The stiffness continued and the soreness seem to gradually move from my left side to the back of my neck. There is areas that feel tight. During this time from the soreness to touch and pain when I turned it would make me have headaches. (which I am taking ibuffren all day to maintain normal activity). I went to the doctor the second week and was told I had a sinus infection and swollen lymphnodes. Was given antibotics to take for a week. Now here it is the 3rd week and the pain is getting worse. Some mornings I have to hold my neck just to get out of bed. It wakes me up at night when I try and roll over. My whole head is sore to the touch. My left side and back of my neck feel tight and soreness actually goes up the back of my head a little.  I have not done anything strenuous and after reading about VM I am now worried if I should seek further on this. Any advice on am I exaggerating and should give it time or does this not sound normal?

[Dooggie]

A related discussion, Conditions that symptoms indicate was started.

[dawne64]

i believe you would have a fever with VM .  and symptoms happen rather quickly.

[mdunn001]

Thank you. I will go to doctor and mention VM and let him decide. The CDC website also said if it was that I would most likely clear up on it's own.
Thank You. Im just ready to be able to move normal. :)

[RockRose]

If you google "cold sores neck pain" there are innumerable sites with this discussion - it sounds like oral herpes often is accompanied by neck pain.

Since this has been going on for 3 weeks,  I think it's very unlikely to be meningitis - people with VM appear horribly ill.

Best wishes -

[mdunn001]

The reason the cold sores worried me is because on the CDC website it states that herpes simplex (cold sores) can cause VM? There was also a lady I work with that had shingles the same week I got my cold sores? It just all seems strange to fall together like this.

[mdunn001]

Im hoping it is just the sinus infection. I just can't understand why my neck will not get better. The sinus infection is cleared up and I have had cold sores in the past just nothing as extreme as they were a couple weeks ago. I woke up this morning and still if I turn my head so far I get a sharp pain across my forehead. Im taking ibuffren every morning and couple times a day just to function normally.  I did notice the hot showers help me get to sleep at night.
How can I ask expert advice before I go to the doctor? My husband and coworkers seem to think it's nothing major and I need to change pillows and sleeping methods again. Im just worried and confused because this pain (yet bareable) is lingering this long and I hate to keep complaining and whining about it.
Thanks for helping.

[Chuckie327]

Cold sores happen for a number of reasons. Generally they occur during a time of stress and perhaps poor B Complex intake and decreased sleep.

I don't see the relationship with your neck pain and eyes. You have not mentioned fatigue. Sometimes Mono causes pain in the neck with
swollen glands. ABT can cause strange reactions when you have Mono.
Got worse myself in this situation.

Sometimes the antibiotic needs to be changed too, So I would contact your
doctor again. Your sinus infection should be improving by now. Best wishes for less pain and a cure this New Year and soon! You could ask an expert on here too.

[mdunn001]

I also want to add that couple weeks ago I had a pretty bad case of cold sores appear. Was this something caused by what is happening to the pain in my neck?