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What are the Most Common Causes of a Fever and Neck Pain?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

One of the most common symptoms of meningitis is fever and neck pain. Other conditions with these symptoms include a neck abscess, a rhinovirus infection or a very rare virus known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Experts advise that fever accompanied by neck pain may be the sign of a very serious illness, particularly when observed in children, and immediate medical attention should be sought.

When the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord become inflamed due to infection, this is a condition known as meningitis, and it is a very serious and potentially life-threatening illness. Symptoms include fever, neck stiffness and pain, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and a skin rash. In some cases, individuals suffering from this illness may also experience seizures, brain damage or death if the infection is not treated in time. Fever and neck pain are most often found in pediatric cases, and many adults do not present symptoms beyond fatigue and mental confusion.

A neck abscess can cause difficulty with swallowing.
A neck abscess can cause difficulty with swallowing.

Fever and neck pain may also be due to the onset of a rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Common cold symptoms may also include a sore throat, fatigue, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, coughing and sneezing. More severe symptoms may also include a severe headache, earache, chest congestion, breathing difficulties, muscle stiffness and fever over 101°F (38.3°C).

Because fever and neck pain may indicate a life-threatening illness, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention.
Because fever and neck pain may indicate a life-threatening illness, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention.

A neck abscess, also known as a retropharyngeal abscess, is a buildup of pus in the tissue lining the back of the throat. Generally, this condition is preceded by a throat infection and most commonly occurs in children. Besides intense pain and fever, other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and breathing, and drooling. In cases where a child’s airway becomes obstructed, a neck abscess can be fatal. Often, surgery is needed to treat this condition.

Surgery may be required to treat a neck abscess.
Surgery may be required to treat a neck abscess.

A rare, but very deadly, progressive viral infection known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever may cause a fever and chills, skin rash, bruises, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, neck pain and a severe headache. Some people have been known to become very aggressive when infected with the virus. Bleeding in the brain may also occur if this illness is not detected in time.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

I think typhoid fever and salmonella poisoning can show these symptoms too right? Neck pain is probably not so prominent in these though. Typhoid mainly causes fever and salmonella poisoning, vomiting and diarrhea.

fify

@donasmrs-- You need to go to the hospital because it could be meningitis.

My sister had meningitis in college. She was complaining of flu symptoms as you and within just a few hours, she developed a very high fever as well as head, neck and shoulder pain. Her neck was so stiff and painful, she couldn't move it. She was hospitalized that day.

Meningitis is a very serious infection and it has to be treated right away. In general, any time that fever and neck pain show up together, it's not good.

donasmrs

Can the flu cause neck pain?

I've had a mild fever for the past few days that I'm keeping under control with fever reducers. But today, I've also developed upper neck pain. I've been assuming that I just have the flu, I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. I have some fatigue, but no other symptoms that I'm aware of.

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    • A neck abscess can cause difficulty with swallowing.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      A neck abscess can cause difficulty with swallowing.
    • Because fever and neck pain may indicate a life-threatening illness, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Because fever and neck pain may indicate a life-threatening illness, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention.
    • Surgery may be required to treat a neck abscess.
      By: llhedgehogll
      Surgery may be required to treat a neck abscess.
    • Fever and neck pain may be due to the onset of a rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.
      By: mangostock
      Fever and neck pain may be due to the onset of a rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.
    • Fever, and neck stiffness and pain, may be caused by meningitis.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Fever, and neck stiffness and pain, may be caused by meningitis.
    • Children under the age of five face a high risk of contracting meningitis-related infections.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Children under the age of five face a high risk of contracting meningitis-related infections.
    • An untreated ear infection may cause fever and neck pain.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      An untreated ear infection may cause fever and neck pain.
    • The presence of meningitis may cause fever in infants.
      By: fred goldstein
      The presence of meningitis may cause fever in infants.