Is severe neck pain common with tonsillitis/strep throat?I have had a cold for about 2 weeks now. On Saturday I woke up with severe chills, high fever, cough, congestion, body aches, and I was extremely cold all day. I treated it with DayQuil and Theraflu. It did help somewhat, but it was very short lived. That night and the night before I was very restless and couldn't sleep. I woke up the next morning with a very sore throat and later that evening developed an extremely sore/stiff neck. My head also hurt tremendously, especially when I coughed or bent over. The next day the neck pain was worse and I called my doctor, but they were booked. Later I decided that I couldn't handle it any longer and went to the ER. The doctor said that my tonsils were covered with puss and I had tonsillitis. He also noted that there was some wheezing and a hard barking cough that sounded like bronchitis. He gave me some cough medicine, 4 500 mg amoxycillin and 400 mg ibuprofen. He also presribed 500 mg amoxycillin 3x per day for 10 days, cough/congestion syrup with codeine and an albuterol inhaler. He came in wanting to do a strep test, but the nurse had already given me antibiotics so he said that since my throat was already coated with antibiotics he couldn't rely on the test. My neck still hurts horribly and neither tylenol or motrin even touch the pain. What else can I do to relieve the pain? Apparently the ER doctor believed it to be bacterial since he prescribed antibiotics, and he seems to think that the tonsillitis is secondary to a severe cold, not related to it since he also suspected strep which I know usually does not present with cold/flu symptoms. But my concern is the neck pain. Is it common with tonsillitis and strep throat? Should I be worried about something else? I am supposed to follow up with my doctor on Thursday, but I am worried and want some answers or opinions. This neck pain is just unbearable!
the pain is on the sides and back of my neck radiating towards my head and shoulders. The pain makes it intolerable to turn my head very far to either side or downward. I pretty much have to keep it straight. It still hurts, but not nearly as bad as if I try to move it.
Alien Gurl
Yes, severe pain in the anterior neck is a main symptom of tonsillitis. Naproxen (Aleve) is another pain reliever you might want to give a try if motrin and tylenol didn't help. It could also be due to an infection such as an Peritonsillar abscess (which is a complication of tonsillitis) causing your severe neck pain you need to tell your doctor about it if you haven't already because if it is it can be life threatening..
Chilly Willy
I'm sympathetic because I used to get infected tonsils a bunch as a teenager and young adult. Like you it would normally start after nursing a cold for about a week. If it is bacterial you should get relief from the antibiotics within 48 hours. Gargle with warm salt water may provide some relief for the throat. I also used to use some of that over-the-counter numbing throat spray. Keep and eye on your fever and it should gradually go down. If not, follow up with your regular doctor. I hope you feel better.
Helpful answer below. Tonsillitis explained | Better Health Channel
Links to information about tonsillitis , including tonsillectomy.
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