Can Allergies Make Your Neck Sore

Your Allergies Can Cause A Sore Body

Some people suffer from hay fever or allergy-induced sinusitis in summer due to the higher pollen count or humidity. Symptoms like itchy eyes, coughing, runny nose and constant congestion are enough to wear anyone down.

Not only in your head and nose

For some, a mild sense of discomfort may be as bad as it gets. But, according to the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania , some people who suffer from seasonal allergies may also experience severe joint, muscle, back and neck ache.

You may even experience a low-grade fever, which makes it easy to confuse your allergy symptoms with a cold or even flu.

The link between chronic fatigue, aches, pains and allergies was established decades ago. In a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, patients who complained of fatigue, low-grade fever, aches and pains also often reported either seasonal or food allergies.

How are pain and allergies related?

While seasonal allergies often affect the nasal region, and the symptoms are mostly above the neck, pollen can affect the entire body as your immune system goes into overdrive.

Allergies and joint pain

When you experience allergies, your body has higher inflammation levels than usual as your immune system reacts to pollen and your body attempts to flush out the allergens, according to the OIP. This can cause joint ache.

Allergies and body aches

Allergies and tiredness

Establishing the cause

Tips on managing your symptoms

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How Can You Tell If Your Sore Throat Is From Allergiesor Something Else

Sore throat, especially during the winter months, can also signal a cold or a virus, making it hard to tell what you’re dealing with. It can be difficult to differentiate between a cold and allergies, but the best way to differentiate between the two would be length of symptoms and past history of allergies, Dr. Li says.

“Both allergies and the seasonal cold can cause runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes and cough,” he says. “However, cold symptoms typically last only a few days while allergy symptoms will often last several weeks to months.”

Allergy symptoms also typically flare up during the spring, summer and fall seasons, while colds usually come during the winter times, Dr. Li says. Allergy symptoms are also more responsive to oral antihistamine and nasal steroids while cold symptoms typically are more resistant to these types of treatments. Lastly, colds or viruses that can cause sore throat will usually will present with more fevers and body aches than allergies will.

Certain symptoms, such as runny nose or itchy, watery eyes, are more common with allergies than a cold, Dr. Simpson adds. If you’re also experiencing aches and pains or a fever, you most likely have a cold or virus. Thick yellow mucus is often more typical of a cold or virus.

When To Contact Your Healthcare Provider

If your symptoms dont improve, or you feel worse, you should contact your healthcare provider. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends alerting your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
• Swelling of the neck or face
• Earache
• A fever of 101°F or higher
• Lumps in the throat or neck

If you have allergies that lead to a sore throat, treating them with OTC medication or natural remedies may provide you with relief from pain and discomfort. However, if your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider to rule out a more serious health concern.

Clinically reviewed and updated March 2022.

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What Causes Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint, especially among adults. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, there are several potential causes of back pain.

Aging is one of the most common risk factors, as people may begin to experience back pain between the ages of 30 and 40. It is also a more prevalent issue among those who are not physically fit. Another risk factor is being overweight, which stresses the back and leads to pain. There are also hereditary factors, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that can impact the spine. Back pain may also be caused by diseases such as cancer and arthritis.

Pain in the lower back is particularly common and is one of the leading reasons for people to go to the doctor or to stay home from work. Back pain can occur in acute or chronic forms. Acute pain is pain that begins suddenly and that typically lasts for six weeks or less. Chronic pain is more prolonged, such as pain lasting longer than three months. Chronic pain is less common than acute pain. It is possible for acute back pain to improve without treatment, depending on the underlying cause. You may find that taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin can help to reduce your back pain.

There are several potential causes of back pain, including specific problems related to certain conditions or diseases:

• Arthritis
• Tense muscles
• Seasonal allergies

Managing Allergies And Preventing Body Aches

Seasonal allergies usually strike during spring, summer, or fall, depending on your specific allergens. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent seasonal allergies and body aches. However, there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms.

Avoid your allergens whenever possible: Plan outdoor activities during times of the day when allergen levels are lower. For example, pollen levels tend to be higher in the mornings than in the evenings.

Wear a mask: If you have to be outdoors for significant periods of time during allergy season, consider wearing a mask to help filter allergens out of the air you breathe.

Watch the forecast: Weather can have a significant impact on seasonal allergies. While rain washes pollen away, pollen levels can spike right after a rainfall. Other allergens, such as mold, thrive in hot, humid weather.

Stay inside on windy days: Wind lifts allergen particles off the ground, making you more likely to breathe them in.

Also Check: Can You Get Swollen Glands From Allergies

Nasal Allergy Symptom : Postnasal Drip

Normally, you swallow mucus without even knowing it. But if your mucus becomes thick, or if you have more mucus than normal, it results in postnasal drip. Thatâs when you can feel mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat. Postnasal drip can also feel like a lump in your throat and can lead to pain or irritation there.

In addition to avoiding your allergy triggers, try drinking extra fluids or using saline nasal spray to thin the mucus. Ask your doctor about other ways to get relief.

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Allergies And Nosebleeds Connection:

Rhinitis is a condition where the inside of the nose becomes inflamed. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis or mixed rhinitis is inflammation of our nostrils caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, or allergens.

Can Rhinitis or Allergies Cause Bloody Nose?

Usually, symptoms come and go and can be really annoying. One of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis is a post-nasal drip. Bloody noses are common with Rhinitis, because the lining of the nose, which has many blood vessels, is constantly irritated. For me, it happens most of the time in the morning, when my nose gets dry.

Another reason is that the lining of the nose is itchy and is often rubbed or scratched. Allergies also cause nosebleeds. Rhinorrhea, blowing your nose, rubbing it, etc. Nosebleeds are a common problem for people who have allergies but dont worry most of the time, these nosebleeds dont cause any serious health problems.

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Nasal Allergy Symptoms You Shouldnt Ignore

If you have nasal allergies, you may be used to sneezing and congestion that last the entire day. But you donât have to just put up with it. Whether youâre allergic to dust mites, tree pollen, or animal dander, you can find relief for your nasal allergy symptoms.

âSome people suffer with seasonal allergies for years before they learn that there are effective treatments,â says James Sublett, MD, chief of pediatric allergy at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. But there are good reasons why you shouldnât wait to treat allergies.

âIf allergy symptoms arenât treated early, they can actually get worse over time,â Sublett says.

Here are five allergy symptoms you shouldnât ignore and what you can do about them.

Can Allergies Cause Neck Pain

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Seasonal Allergies And Joint Pain

• Posted on: Apr 15 2020
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Its officially spring and with warmer weather, it brings new life back to our lives. Unfortunately, these pretty flowers and blooming trees bring with them unwanted pollen that can cause allergic reactions in many of us. From runny noses to watery eyes, your body can be negatively impacted by these blossoming buds. Did you know that another downside of seasonal allergies is that they can actually affect your joints as well? While you may not associate one with the other, they are in fact connected. In understanding this connection you can hopefully learn how to prevent it and have a happier spring season.

Other Sinus Conditions And Neck Pain

Anecdotally, some people with seasonal allergies also report having neck pain. This could be due to tight or tense muscles that result when you sneeze or cough.

Another possible explanation is that the congestion in your sphenoid sinuses causes pressure in the back of your head and neck.

The common cold or flu are other illnesses that may occur with neck pain.

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When To Call Your Doctor If You Have Swollen Lymph Nodes

If your swollen lymph nodes come and go and dont get significantly large, then youre probably OK to wait and see if allergy medication helps, Dr. Besser says.

But, if the swelling persists for several days, doesnt seem to be getting better, and is even getting worse, its a good idea to talk to your doctor. Ditto if you develop a fever or if you are seriously uncomfortable around your lymph nodes. That could be a sign of infection, Dr. Mehdizadeh says.

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What Causes Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis occurs when your bodys immune system reacts to an irritant in the air. The irritants are so tiny that you can easily inhale them through your nose or mouth.

Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system thinks the allergen is intruding. The immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. The main chemical is called histamine. It causes mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to become inflamed and itchy as they work to eject the allergen.

Seasonal and perennial allergies can result from many allergens, including:

• Dust mites that live in carpets, drapes, bedding and furniture.
• Pollen from trees, grass and weeds.
• Pet dander .
• Mold spores.
• Cockroaches, including their saliva and waste.

Food allergies can also cause inflammation in the nose and throat. If you think youre having an allergic reaction to something you ate, get medical help right away. Food allergies can be life-threatening.

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Other Causes And Treatments Of Swollen Glands

Can allergies cause swollen glands? Sometimes. Other causes of swollen glands include:

The treatment of swollen glands will depend on the underlying cause.

• Swollen lymph nodes due to a viral infection tend to resolve on their own after the viral infection resolves. However, antiviral medications may be recommended.
• Swollen lymph nodes due to a bacterial infection require antibiotic treatment.
• Swollen lymph nodes due to HIV/AIDS infection require specific treatment for this medical condition.
• Swollen lymph nodes due to immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus require treatment directed on the underlying cause.
• Swollen lymph nodes due to cancers require specific treatment depending on the type of cancer. In general, treatments include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Seek immediate medical help in cases when swollen lymph glands are accompanied with:

• High fever
• Redness of the skin over the swollen lymph nodes
• Night sweats

Which Parts Of The Body Are Most Affected By Allergies

Seasonal allergies most often affect your respiratory systemnose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. However, pain from allergies can also affect other parts of your body.

Repeatedly coughing and sneezing can strain the muscles between your ribs or the cartilage that attaches your ribs to your breastbone , causing a lot of pain. Pain can also come from your diaphragm, or breathing muscle, which can transfer pain to your shoulder or neck.

This pain is usually sharp and intense and worsens when you breathe, sneeze, laugh, or cough.

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When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About Hay Fever

Although hay fever doesnt cause any serious health problems, you should see your provider to rule out other conditions, such as asthma. Seek care if hay fever symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life or making it hard for you to sleep. Your provider can help you identify the allergens that are causing a reaction and recommend treatments to help you feel better.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Hay fever symptoms can affect your quality of life and keep you from doing the activities you love, but effective treatments are available. Millions of adults and children manage hay fever with medications and lifestyle changes. Talk to your provider about steps you can take to relieve symptoms, breathe easier and feel better.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/30/2020.

References

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Rhinitis . Accessed 9/1/2021.
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology . Rhinitis Overview. Accessed 9/1/2021.
• InformedHealth.org . Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care 2006-. Hay fever: Allergen-specific immunotherapy in the treatment of allergies. Accessed 9/1/2021.
• Wheatley LM, Togias A. Allergic Rhinitis. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jan 29 372:456-463. Accessed 9/1/2021.

How Do Allergy Shots Work

Allergy shots are different from other medications in that they don’t work as a form of symptom management. Instead, they work to address the underlying cause.

Healthcare providers give shots in their offices. For the first few months, you receive injections one to three times a week. After that, you’ll get them less often, around every four to six weeks. Allergy shots are a long-term treatment option, lasting three to five years.

Allergy shots tend to be a good idea for people who don’t want to take medication or whose allergy medication is no longer working. It’s also appealing to people who would like to resolve, rather than treat, their allergies.

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Spring has finally sprung! The flowers are beginning to bloom, and the trees once again offer the perfect amount of shade from the sun. But with the warmer days ahead comes the runny noses, watery eyes and scratchy throats we are all so fond of- aka allergy season! What some of you dont know is that with seasonal allergies, comes joint pain. While not commonly associated with one another, taking the time to understand their connection can help you prevent it.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed

If you think you have allergies, don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away. When your symptoms last longer than a week or two and tend to come back, make an appointment with an allergy/immunology specialist.

Allergy skin testing may be used to identify the allergens that are causing your allergy symptoms. The test is performed by pricking your skin with an extract of an allergen, and then checking your skins reaction.

If a skin test cant be performed, blood work may be obtained. This test is not as sensitive as a skin test. The test evaluates the number of antibodies produced by your immune system. Higher levels of certain antibodies suggest possible allergy to that allergen.

Other types of allergy testing are available too.

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Don’t Ignore Chest Pain

While chest pain can occur with allergies, it can also be a sign of a life-threatening heart attack. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your chest pain might not be related to your allergies. Other signs of heart attack can include:

• Shortness of breath

Sphenoid Sinus Pressure Is Felt In The Neck

You might also be experiencing neck pain alongside sinus pressure if your sphenoid sinus is inflamed. The sphenoid sinus is a deep sinus situated in the middle of your skull towards the back of your head and behind your eyes.

If you naturally have a large sphenoid sinus, it can reach past your occipital bone and the pain felt from any pressure in this sinus can extend down into your neck.

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