The ache of illness is bad enough without adding insult to injury. But surprisingly, the flu and other viral infections often come with an unexpected guest: neck pain. As you shiver with chills or struggle with a runny or stuffy nose, it often feels like your neck has been twisted into knots.
But is there really a connection between influenza and neck aches? Or is it just something our exhausted, inflamed bodies throw at us for spite? Let’s find out.
Is Neck Pain Common With The Flu?
Yes, body aches, including those in the neck area, are relatively common with the flu.
When we think of the flu, we often imagine a red, runny nose, cough, and sneezing. So, it may be a surprise to hear that neck pain is indeed common with the flu.
Muscle aches often tag along for the ride when the flu comes knocking. At first, you might just feel some mild stiffness or soreness. This discomfort is often due to your body's response to a viral infection, including influenza.
The flu can affect the neck through various mechanisms:
- Inflammation and Cytokines
During the flu, the immune system triggers inflammation as a protective measure and releases inflammatory substances called cytokines. These cytokines can attach to pain receptors in your muscles, resulting in varying degrees of muscle pain all over your body, including the neck.
It’s important to note that this process is not exclusive to the flu and can happen in any condition that triggers inflammation. - Excessive Coughing
Severe coughing, which often accompanies the flu, can also put pressure on the neck muscles, leading to painful sensations. If you’re already battling neck issues, neck pain can also be intensified by lying in bed for long hours, which is what you typically do when battling the flu. - Muscle Invasion
The influenza virus can also directly invade your muscles, causing myositis. In fact, the influenza virus is the most common viral cause of myositis and muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis).
In a case report, two men complained of neck pain and upper arm weakness after a history of flu-like symptoms. Meanwhile, in another case, a man suffered from neck, back, and arm pain along with typical symptoms of the flu.
Now, muscle pain is not enough to diagnose myositis. It requires lab tests to see if specific muscle enzymes are elevated. Upon workup, all three men had high levels of muscle enzymes, indicating muscle breakdown.
According to the first report, previous cases of influenza-induced myositis were in men aged 25–54.
If you experience severe muscle pain and weakness or notice red discoloration in your urine, seek medical attention right away. Myositis is a serious complication that requires immediate treatment.
Can A Flu Cause Neck And Shoulder Pain?
The flu can cause pain in any part of the body. Your shoulder isn’t spared.
Pleurisy can also cause shoulder pain while you're battling the flu, in addition to the direct effects of cytokines on your muscles.
Pleurisy, or pleuritis, is the inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membranes surrounding your lungs and lining your chest cavity.
When you’re down with the flu, your respiratory system usually takes a beating. If the flu virus affects the pleura, it can cause pleurisy, manifesting as sharp chest pain that can travel to the shoulder. The pain is typically worsened by breathing deeply, coughing, or sneezing.
Fortunately, pleurisy usually resolves once you fight off the flu infection. In fact, it may even resolve on its own without medical treatment. But you still need to seek medical evaluation, as pleurisy can progress and cause a buildup of fluid in your lungs.
Can The Flu Cause Neck And Head Pain?
Headaches are another common complaint when it comes to the flu.
Like body pain, headaches can also be a direct effect of inflammation. However, the flu can also cause headaches in different ways.
- By Causing Sinusitis
As previously mentioned, the flu virus primarily targets your respiratory system, including your sinuses. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of sinusitis. When sinusitis occurs due to the flu, you can expect headaches and pressure in your face and ears.
- By Causing Fever
Another cause is fever. According to a study, a fever is one of the main reasons people get headaches when ill. Other possible factors include low oxygen (hypoxia) and high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia). These two other factors are also present in severe flu infections.
- Through Dehydration
A flu infection can also indirectly cause headaches through dehydration. Flu symptoms like fever, sweating, and coughing can all decrease the fluid levels in your body. When this happens, your brain's blood vessels may stretch, leading to headaches.
According to a study, dehydration can even make your body react more strongly to pain. This can also contribute to neck and shoulder pain.
It’s important to note that, like neck pain, a severe headache can signal a more serious complication of the flu, as we’ll see later.
How Long Does Neck Pain Last With Flu?
Upon coming down with the flu, you can typically expect to start feeling neck pain within a day or two. As the body fights off the infection, this could get more intense before it lightens up.
Flu-related neck pain usually lasts as long as the other symptoms of the infection. On average, this can last anywhere from 5 to 7 days. This can be shorter and less severe if you get your flu shot.
However, our bodies can respond differently to the infection. While you might recover in a week, you can still experience persistent neck pain. Post-influenza asthenia is a term for people who feel persistently weak or tired after the flu. It can last for several weeks.
Some people additionally develop myositis after recovering from the flu. This is called post-influenza myositis. Other symptoms contributing to neck and shoulder pain can also last longer, including cough and fever.
What Are The Main Flu Symptoms?
A flu infection can manifest various symptoms, impacting individuals differently. The most common flu symptoms are:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chills and sweats
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
In rare cases, you might also experience nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhea. High-risk individuals are more susceptible to severe symptoms. These include:
- The elderly,
- Young children,
- Pregnant women,
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or compromised immune systems)
In these cases, the flu can lead to complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or the worsening of existing health conditions. If you fall into one of these groups, please seek proper medical attention. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Can A Stiff Neck Be A Symptom Of The Flu?
A stiff neck isn’t usually on the list of symptoms when we think of the flu. However, it can be a sign of a sinister flu complication. In rare instances, the influenza virus can go beyond the respiratory system and travel to the brain, causing viral meningitis.
Aside from the common symptoms of the flu, viral meningitis can present with
- Neck stiffness
- Severe neck pain
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to sound
- Trouble waking up
- Nausea and vomiting
Now, it's important to remember that while viral meningitis from the flu is possible, not everyone with the flu will develop it. According to a study, neurologic complications from the flu are uncommon and more likely in children. In a study from Korea, only 5% out of 1988 children developed meningitis from a flu infection.
Unlike bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis is typically less severe and can resolve spontaneously.
How Do I Get Rid Of Neck Pain From The Flu?
The good news is that getting rid of neck pain from the flu is possible in the comfort of your own home. As mentioned earlier, flu-related neck pain typically eases once the infection resolves. So, here are some tips to help your body fight the infection and get rid of that neck pain:
- Rest and Relaxation
Good old rest is one of the best remedies for flu-induced neck pain and symptoms. Your body needs energy to fight off the virus, making this recovery period crucial. Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce neck strain and help alleviate any sinus pressure.
- Keep Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or warm herbal teas, can help soothe a sore neck and keep your body functioning to its fullest potential. Warm soups are another excellent option.
- Keep Warm
Having a warm shower or placing a heat pack on your neck will help to soothe any aching muscles. The heat increases blood circulation and reduces muscle stiffness, easing neck and shoulder pain.
- Over-the-counter Painkillers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain as well. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with the fever and the pain.
Aspirin use is linked to Reye syndrome in people with influenza, so it should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. Reye syndrome is an uncommon but dangerous illness that results in brain and liver swelling.
- Eat Healthy
A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, helps strengthen your immune system and promotes faster recovery. Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support your body's healing process. Avoid sugary or processed foods, which can worsen inflammation and discomfort.
- Be Gentle With Your Movements
Remember to take it easy with your movements when you start to recover. Avoid sudden neck movements or activities that strain your neck, such as heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise.
If your neck pain doesn't improve after a few days, it may be worth speaking with your health care provider to rule out any other potential causes.
Can Flu Symptoms Be Mistaken For Another Illness?
The flu shares symptoms with numerous other conditions, especially in the early days of infection. Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache are just a few of the symptoms of the flu (influenza), a viral respiratory illness brought on by influenza viruses.Â
These symptoms can also be present in other respiratory infections, such as the common cold (although usually milder), COVID-19, or bacterial infections. These infections can also lead to pneumonia, which can present with neck and shoulder pain.
Takeaway
While neck pain may seem like just another cruel joke played by the flu, understanding the connection can help you find relief. Inflammation, direct muscle invasion, coughing, and even fever can team up and give your neck a beating.
Luckily, you’re also equipped with some simple self-care strategies to fight back. These include measures ranging from rest to OTC painkillers.
Always keep an eye out for red flags like severe pain, weakness, or sensitivity to light. These can signify more serious complications of the infection.
Most importantly, remember to be patient with your body as it works hard to fight off the virus. With a little TLC for your muscles and some time to recover, your neck will feel flexible and pain-free once again.
So next time the flu has you dreaming of calling in an exorcist for your poor neck, take a deep breath and put these tips into action.
