Neck and shoulder pain/stiffness-meningitis or what else?
Okay here are my symptoms:
Neck and shoulder pain. Mostly the trapezius region of the neck.
Whenever I move my neck it hurts and mostly when I look to the left-very stiff. However, not when I put my chin to my chest (which I read is common for meningitis)
If it’s meningitis, is it possible for neck pain to present before flu or headache symptoms? Neither of which I have.
My neck is just killing me and my fiancée’s was hurting as well, but her pain has subsided somewhat and was localized to the left side of her neck.
Also, when I raise my hands over my head or shoulders, I can feel bones cracking in my upper back (like cracking a knuckle and almost grinding).
So what do you think? Do I have meningitis, and if not, what the hell else is it?
Thanks for your help!
Additional info: I do have moderate stress, but I can manage pretty well normally. I just brush off everything.
I had played a video game for two days straight which is abnormal for me since I rarely have any free time (except for asking for answers from complete strangers online 
) Plus I do sleep awkwardly sometimes; but could that make my entire neck area sore?
Filed under: Shoulder Pain Symptoms
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Does your life work, home etc include alot of stress? My neck froze up on me at work one day from the stress. This was right on what they call the paracervical muscle. I just iced it and kept my head straight on the pillow. I got better after a few days. This may not be what you have, but if you happen to have high stress, it could be it. If you think it might be stress read up on a book by John Sarno about healing back pain. While it may not be your back, it gives a sound basis for muscle pains in general.
not likely my son had meningitis just over 2 moths ago and was so very poorly more likely a strain or bad cold if to worrid go see doc
Meningitis my symptoms were severe headache, blurred vision, vomiting.
You would have fever and feel very sick if you had meningitis. Your shoulder would not be involved. You may have slept in an odd position or pulled a muscle. The crackling does not mean much. Like cracking your knuckles, it is just air in the joint. My neck and both shoulder make a scrunching noisy all the time.
You could try taking aspirin, ibuprofen or naprosyn for the pain. A heating pad may help.
If it persists more than a couple of days or you start feeling sick, see a doctor.
I am an RN.
Sounds more like muscular skeletal strain or sprain. What did you do prior to contracting these symptoms?