Can a Sinus Infection Cause Neck Pain and Stiffness?
Have you ever experienced neck pain or stiffness along with sinus problems and wondered if the two are connected? Studies show that nearly 84% of people with sinus headaches also report neck pain, and about 68% say their neck pain spreads up into their head. So, can a sinus infection actually cause neck pain and stiffness? Let’s explore how they’re linked, why it happens, and what you should know.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, happens when your nasal cavities become swollen or inflamed due to an infection, allergies, or other factors. This swelling can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and sometimes fever. In the United States, nearly 29 million adults experience sinusitis each year.
How Can a Sinus Infection Cause Neck Pain and Stiffness?
1. Referred Pain from Sinus Inflammation
Some of your sinuses are located near the base of your skull and upper neck. When they get inflamed, they can irritate nearby tissues and nerves. This irritation can cause pain that spreads to your neck and shoulders—what doctors call “referred pain.” So even though the infection is in your sinuses, you might feel pain in your neck.
2. Muscle Tension and Strain
Dealing with a sinus infection often means persistent headaches, facial pressure, and difficulty breathing through your nose. These symptoms can cause you to hold your head in unusual positions or tense your neck muscles, leading to stiffness and soreness. For example, constantly tilting your head forward to breathe can strain neck muscles over time.
3. Poor Posture
Feeling tired or unwell from a sinus infection might cause you to slouch or stay still for long periods. Poor posture like this can add to neck stiffness and discomfort.
4. Infection Spread (Rare but Serious)
In rare cases, a severe sinus infection can spread beyond the sinuses to nearby areas, including the neck. This may cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the neck and may require urgent medical attention. If you experience severe neck pain along with fever, confusion, or difficulty moving your neck, seek medical help immediately.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most neck pain caused by sinus infections is mild and improves as the infection clears up. However, you should consult a healthcare provider if:
- Neck pain is severe or worsening
- You experience a high fever
- You have difficulty moving your neck or notice swelling
- Symptoms last longer than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement
How to Relieve Neck Pain Caused by Sinus Infection
If you’re experiencing neck pain and stiffness alongside a sinus infection, here are some tips to help alleviate your discomfort:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and reduce sinus pressure.
- Use warm compresses: Applying warmth to your face or neck can relax muscles and relieve discomfort.
- Practice good posture: Avoid holding your head in strained positions.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Treat the sinus infection: Follow your doctor’s advice on antibiotics (if bacterial) or other treatments to clear the infection.
Expert ENT Specialists in Michigan
Sinus infections mainly affect your nose and face, but they can also cause neck pain and stiffness because of muscle tension or referred pain. Usually, this neck discomfort is temporary and can be treated with proper care.
If you’re dealing with sinus infections or related symptoms like neck pain, it’s important to get help from a trusted ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. At ENT Care of Michigan, our experienced team provides thorough care for all kinds of ENT issues, including sinus infections.
Don’t let sinus pain hold you back — call 248-254-8900 to schedule an appointment and get the relief you deserve!
