[33F] Experiencing acute neck pain with limited movement

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely cause of your symptoms is:

• Muscle Strain or Sprain: This can occur due to poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or sudden movements that put too much stress on the neck. This is the most common cause of neck pain and limited neck mobility.
  • Treatment typically involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes muscle relaxants. Physical therapy exercises can also be helpful.

Less likely, but still possible, are:

• Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in neurological symptoms such as sharp, radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand. However, you did not report any radiating pain or neurological symptoms, which makes this less likely.

  • Treatment can involve physical therapy, medication, or in more severe cases, surgery.

• Cervical Spondylosis: This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck, which can lead to chronic, persistent pain and stiffness. However, this is less likely given your age and lack of reported chronic symptoms.

  • Treatment can involve physical therapy, medication, or in more severe cases, surgery.

What you can do

1. Rest and avoid any activities that may have caused or worsened your neck pain.
2. Apply a cold pack to your neck for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 24-48 hours. After that, a warm towel or heating pad can be used.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as the ibuprofen you're already taking, can help with the pain.
4. Gentle neck stretches and exercises can help with stiffness and improve range of motion. However, these should be done carefully to avoid causing more pain.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that persists despite rest and pain relievers
• Pain that spreads down arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands
• Trouble with coordination, such as walking or picking up objects
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Please remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare professional who can examine you and give you a formal diagnosis.