Neck pain, or a sore neck, can be a normal symptom of the common cold or flu.
In other instances, neck pain may be a sign of a potentially serious medical condition like meningitis.
Knowing the difference can help you make the right choice if neck pain and cold symptoms co-occur.
Brianna Gilmartin / Verywell
In general, cold and flu viruses tend to make your muscles achy and sore.
Swollen lymph nodes can make your neck feel stiff.
They may even become so swollen that they feel like lumps in your neck.
You may also experience a kink in your neck while getting the extra sleep you need so that recover.
It is also possible thatsore throatpain can radiate to the neck, a phenomenon known as referred pain.
In such cases, there may also beotalgia(ear pain).
These include oral, topical, and home remedies that are sometimes combined to provide relief.
There are no clear-cut guidelines on which is most effective, so you may need to experiment.
Read the ingredients label of any cold remedy you are taking.
The same ingredients are often contained in different products.
In some cases, you may find yourself double-dosing a drug and experience side effects.
Unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider, you shouldn’t combine ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
If you have questions about OTC pain relievers, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Topical Medications
Some people may find relief from OTC topical ointments intended to relieve muscle aches.
Do not use these ointments along with ice or heat packs.
When to Seek Emergency Care
A typical cold or flu virus can last about three weeks.
You may, for example, have difficulty turning your head from side to side.
It can be due to a virus or bacteria, and more infrequently by a parasite or fungus.
If you suspect meningitis, you should seek emergency care without delay.
If left untreated, meningitis can lead to seizures, coma, permanent brain damage, or death.
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