COVID-19 Symptoms: Recognizing Neck Pain as a Possible Indicator
Long COVID, a condition characterized by ongoing symptoms after recovery from an acute COVID-19 infection, is affecting many individuals worldwide. One of the common symptoms reported among long COVID sufferers is neck pain.
Prevalence and Nature
Studies have shown that neck pain is a prevalent symptom in long COVID, affecting a significant number of patients. According to one study in Peru, neck stiffness and muscular pain were among the most common new neurologic symptoms, affecting about 24–31% of long COVID patients between 90 and 180 days post-COVID[1]. Another study found neck pain reported by about 69.1% of participants experiencing new-onset pain 3 months after initial infection[3].
Neck pain in long COVID tends to coexist with other symptoms such as headache, muscular pain, fatigue, insomnia, and joint pain[1].
Potential Causes
The causes of neck pain in long COVID are multifactorial. Muscle and joint inflammation or dysfunction associated with prolonged immune response or viral effects on musculoskeletal tissues are potential causes[3]. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and bruxism (teeth grinding) linked to stress and increased muscle tension in long COVID patients can also contribute to neck pain[5].
Neurological involvement is another possible cause. Long COVID includes neurological symptoms possibly due to direct viral effects or autoimmune mechanisms affecting nerves and muscles around the neck area[1][5]. Stress and altered biomechanics caused by illness and associated postural changes may aggravate muscle tension, contributing to neck pain.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for neck pain in long COVID is typically supportive and multidisciplinary. Symptomatic management with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain and stiffness. Physical therapy focusing on gentle neck exercises, stretching, and posture correction can reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.
Management of bruxism and TMJ symptoms may require dental evaluation, stress reduction techniques, and possibly mouthguards to reduce jaw strain[5]. Addressing underlying neurological or autoimmune processes may require multidisciplinary care involving neurologists or rheumatologists when symptoms persist.
Stress management and sleep improvement are also crucial, as stress exacerbates symptoms like TMJ pain and muscle tension. Approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and good sleep hygiene can be helpful[5].
In summary, neck pain is a common symptom in long COVID, with causes likely multifactorial including musculoskeletal inflammation, neurological effects, TMJ involvement, and stress-related muscle tension. Treatment is typically supportive and multidisciplinary to address these various contributing factors.
[1] Domingo, C. E., et al. (2021). Neurological and musculoskeletal manifestations in long COVID: A systematic review. Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
[3] Espinosa, J. E., et al. (2021). Prevalence of and risk factors for persistent pain in patients with COVID-19. The Journal of Pain.
[5] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Long COVID: Treatment and management. Retrieved from www.nhs.uk/conditions/long-covid/treatment/
- Studies suggest that neck pain is a prevalent symptom in Long COVID, affecting approximately 24-31% of patients between 90 and 180 days post-COVID, according to one study in Peru.
- Neck pain in Long COVID often coexists with a variety of other symptoms such as headache, muscular pain, fatigue, insomnia, and joint pain.
- Potential causes of neck pain in Long COVID include muscle and joint inflammation, virus-related effects on musculoskeletal tissues, TMJ pain, and neurological involvement.
- Treatment for neck pain in Long COVID is typically supportive and multidisciplinary, employing symptomatic management, physical therapy, stress management, and sleep improvement.
- In addition to addressing neck pain, it's crucial to manage underlying neurological or autoimmune processes, with possible collaboration between neurologists, rheumatologists, and dental professionals.
