[27F] Experiencing severe neck pain and new swallowing/breathing difficulties

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female reports severe neck pain that has been present for about a year, with a pain level of 8 out of 10. The neck pain started following a loud crack heard during stretching, and a subsequent tear a few months ago. Recently, she has developed a sharp pain when swallowing, rated 6 out of 10, and pain when breathing, which is somewhat alleviated by changing positions. Additionally, she experiences weakness in her right bicep, grinding sounds, and limited neck mobility. The patient has a medical history of hypermobile spectrum disorder, MCAS, POTS, inflammatory arthritis, and fibromyalgia, diagnosed two and a half years ago. She is anaphylactically allergic to Rocephin and allergic to Doxycycline and Amoxicillin. Current medications include Zyrtec taken twice daily and Ibuprofen 800 mg taken once a month for back pain. No recent fever, chills, or weight loss, but she did experience fever, headache, and vomiting earlier in the week.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes of your symptoms include:

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in your neck is irritated or compressed. This can cause pain that radiates down your arm, and can be associated with numbness or weakness in your arm or hand. The loud crack you heard when you stretched your neck and the subsequent pain could suggest a herniated disc, which is a common cause of cervical radiculopathy.

    • Treatment often involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.

  • Musculoskeletal Strain: Given your history of hypermobile spectrum disorder and fibromyalgia, it's possible that you strained a muscle or ligament in your neck, causing the pain and reduced range of motion.

    • Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, and pain relievers.

  • Esophagitis: This is inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause pain when swallowing. This would not explain your neck pain or arm symptoms, however.

    • Treatment depends on the cause but can include dietary changes, medications, or rarely surgery.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some things you can do:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can perform a physical examination and potentially order imaging studies to better understand what's causing your symptoms.
  2. In the meantime, try to avoid any activities that worsen your pain.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as the ibuprofen you're already taking, can help manage your pain. However, these should be used sparingly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
  4. A warm compress might help relieve some of the muscle tension in your neck.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden, severe weakness or numbness in your arm or leg

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is cervical radiculopathy and how is it treated?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc. It can cause pain that radiates down the arm, along with numbness or weakness. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.

How can hypermobile spectrum disorder affect neck pain?

Hypermobile spectrum disorder can lead to increased joint mobility, which may result in musculoskeletal strain or injury, contributing to neck pain. Management often involves physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability.

What are the symptoms and treatment options for esophagitis?

Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause pain when swallowing. Treatment depends on the cause and may include dietary changes, medications to reduce acid, or rarely, surgery.

What should I do if I experience severe neck pain and weakness in my arm?

If you experience severe neck pain and weakness in your arm, it's important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

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