Neck And Shoulder Pain Stiff Neck Both Sides

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 Answered on

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Neck And Shoulder pain:

1.) stiff neck
2.). Both sides of my neck from below the ear to both shoulder blades are sore.
3.) pain worsens after sleeping
4.) may or may not be related right side of my neck below ear swollen lymph node.

Issues been occurring for 2 weeks.

Going to doctor next week.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

Do your have pain at the back of the neck that radiates to the arms or hands?

Any pins and needles sensation over the hands?

It's possible you have cervical spondylosis which is a degenerative change in your spine. This can cause neck stiffness and even nerve compression.

Lymph nodes on one side won't cause neck stiffness on both sides usually.

It's best to keep your pillow under your shoulders when sleeping as this will prevent excessive neck flexion.

Apply warm packs to the tender muscles for relief from muscle spasm.

Take pain killers for pain relief.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj