[33F] Experiencing chronic neck and shoulder pain with recent ear tingling

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It's believed that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. The burning sensation you described is also a common symptom of fibromyalgia.

  • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress-management measures, and healthy lifestyle habits.

• Cervical Spondylosis: Also known as neck arthritis, this is a common age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your neck. It can cause chronic, severe pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications to ease the symptoms, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Hypothyroidism: You mentioned that you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This condition can sometimes cause joint and muscle pain, as well as fatigue. However, it's less likely to be the cause of your symptoms if your thyroid hormone levels are well-controlled with medication.

  • Treatment involves taking thyroid hormone medication to normalize your hormone levels.

• Autoimmune conditions: Given your family history of lupus, it's possible that an autoimmune condition could be causing your symptoms. These conditions occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of autoimmune conditions that can cause joint pain and stiffness.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce the immune response and manage symptoms.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible conditions, and having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have one of these conditions.

What you can do

1. Consult with a healthcare provider: They can provide a formal assessment, order relevant tests if necessary, and guide you on the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen can help manage your pain and inflammation. However, they should be used sparingly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
4. Physical therapy: This can help improve your neck and shoulder mobility and relieve pain.
5. Heat or cold therapy: Applying a hot or cold compress to your neck and shoulders can help relieve pain and stiffness.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
• Difficulty moving your arms or walking
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever or chills

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.