Is a Stiff Neck a symptom of COVID? What You Need to Know

Source: Essence Physiotherapy

Some people with COVID-19 experience neck pain, soreness, and stiffness. In some cases, this pain can be a persistent symptom of long COVID-19.

So yes, neck pain can be one of the first signs of COVID-19, so if you are experiencing stiffness in your neck, it is crucial to take precautions and get tested. It is generally mild and will go away in a few days.

It also needs to understand that COVID-19-19 symptoms vary from person to person and will depend on whether someone has received vaccinations, which strain of COVID-19 they have, and whether they have any other health conditions. 

In this guide, we will discuss the symptoms of COVID-19 and other essential things that you need to know such as treatment. 

Is Neck Pain a Sign of COVID?

Muscle ache is a common symptom of COVID-19, with a study showing that between 11-62% of COVID-19 patients have muscle pain and soreness. While 10-15% of people experience joint pain. Mostly, muscle pain focuses on the neck, shoulders, and back. 

Generally, there are two main reasons for COVID-19-related fever and stiff neck COVID. First, the virus may bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in your muscles, directly affecting each muscle and can cause soreness and neck pain.

There are a few exerts who also think that inflammation in the muscles can cause pain including in your neck. When a person experiences fever, the body’s immune system triggers 

Additionally, experts think inflammation in the muscles can cause pain. When a person has a fever, the body’s immune system triggers a cascade of reactions that increases inflammation. Although this can help fight an infection, it can also cause muscle pain.

If a person stays in bed for a few days straight when they are ill, their muscles may feel stiff and sore, leading to back or neck pain COVID. 

If you experience muscle pain, especially neck pain, along with other COVID-19 symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or visit the emergency room if you have a high fever and any of the following symptoms:

• very stiff neck
• light sensitivity
• changes in personality or mood
• confusion

Neck Pain and Covid

As I’ve already mentioned neck pain is a common complaint of COVID-19 patients, and it is often one of the first signs that something is not right. 

Despite the fact that most people experience mild neck pain and go away after a few days, neck pain can be severe for some people and lasts for weeks or even for a few months.

In some cases, the neck pain is so intense that people aren’t even able to move their heads or look down, and causes pain down into the shoulder blades. Again if you experience neck pain after contracting COVID-19, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

How to Treat Neck Stiffness from Covid-19

There are also a few stiff neck remedies to help relieve neck pain from COVID-19, including:

• Take rest and avoid activities that worsen your neck pain.
• Apply a heating pad or ice to the affected area.
• Massage therapy is also a great method to treat and manage neck stiffness due to COVID-19. Loosening up the muscles can improve mobility and help reduce pain. Also, massage therapy is a great way to relieve stress and provide pain relief.
• You can manage inflammation using over-the-counter supplements and natural remedies. 
• Performing some gentle exercises can help blood flow to the muscles and improve circulation. Do it gently at first, worry less about what type of exercise, and focus on getting out and moving.
• Physical therapy and evidence-based chiropractic care can also effectively manage a stiff neck from COVID-19. 

Note: These are only a few remedies that you can use to reduce neck pain. If you still don’t see any improvement it is best to contact your doctor as soon as possible. In such conditions, you may need prescription medication or physical therapy to help treat your neck stiffness.