7. Neck Pain and Stiffness: The Restricting Discomfort
While many might dismiss neck pain or stiffness as the result of a bad sleeping posture or prolonged screen time, in the context of Ludwig’s Angina, it takes on a more sinister shade. This discomfort is not about sore muscles; it’s indicative of an ongoing infection inching its way through the body.
As the infection progresses, the tissues in the neck become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. The spread of this infection to the neck’s deeper layers can lead to a rigid, board-like stiffness, which not only causes discomfort but can also restrict movement.
Neck pain and stiffness, especially when combined with other symptoms of Ludwig’s Angina, can suggest that the infection is spreading. The neck houses crucial pathways, such as the trachea and esophagus, and the infection’s proximity to these structures makes it even more concerning. (7)
