Stiff neck muscles, nausea and headache...should I be worried?

[MySqueeHasBeenSeverelyHarshed]

I've had a persistent stronge ache along the left side of my neck to my shoulder for three days, I suffer from arthritis anyway so wasn't too concerned but it hasn't responded to heat, topical spray, pain meds and even my TENS machine.

And now I've developed nausea and a splitting headache, plus flare ups in my back and hip. I went to Dr Google and apparently these are warning signs of meningitis, but i don't want to panic over something that's probably benign.

The nearest hospital is about 40 mins away and i could wake up my dad to bring me if needed, or wait to see a doctor in the morning. any advice please?

I had something like this and it was just a virus that passed in a few weeks. My body was completely stiff and I took ibuprofen until it passed.

BUT best to call 111 for advice, to be on the safe side.

Sorry, it passed in a few DAYS not weeks!

Also wanted to add I always get muscle and joint pain whenever I have a cold too.

I suspect if you'd had meningitis for three days you'd be in a much worse condition so if I were you I'd probably wait. But that's based on no medical expertise at all! Do you have a temperature? Hope you feel better anyway!

Do you have a fever or sensitivity to light

Can you put your chin to your chest?

my cheeks are very hot and im thirsty as hell but my hands are freezing.

Moomin: I can but its very painful

Call 111 - best get checked I think

no sensitivity to light, no more than usual anyway. i went to bed early because the light was making my headache worse, not sure that counts.

Only a doctor will know. Good luck x

Can I ask whereabouts you are in your menstural cycle - this sounds like the hormonal migraines I suffer with. Can either happen during ovulation or menstruation. Last 3-4 days and starts with stuff painful neck. I use quick release triptans - and ice packs on my neck. Nothing else works.

It sounds like a virus to me, but as usual the risks depend on your circumstances. Do you take disease modifiers for your arthritis? If so, you may be at additional risk.
In any case, you should call 111 to be safe.

Period ended last week. I've had migraines before but not with these symptoms. if the pain had responded to the TENS machine I wouldnt be so worried

Only take advice from a medic. Ring nhs direct to get proper advice.
Do not take advice from Mumsnet on whether it's serious condition or not !!!!

Have rung emergency services now, they're sending a crew out.

Hope you’re ok OP. Good luck xx

So update! I'm in the hospital now, suspected serious kidney infection. I have a history of underreacting to pain and if i hadn't asked for advice i might have ignored it until it got significantly worse, so thank you all that replied.

Hope you make a speedy recovery.

Thanks for the update

That'll be why you had the back and hip pain then.
Hope you're better soon 💐