Upper Back tattoo and now severe neck pain......?

Question

I had a tattoo done nearly 2 weeks ago now, and thought it was doing great. The scabs had gone and all was well. On Tuesday (it is now Thursday morning) I started to get a sore neck and shoulders. I am not totally unmovable with the neck. It is killing me. My question is do you think it could be caused by an infection from the tattoo, or maybe muscle tenderness etc. I have never experienced this kind of pain expect when I was in an accident over 10 years ago.
Thanks.

Just to add that the tattoo was done 2 weeks ago and yes some neck pain was there for a couple of days afterwards because of the placement of the tattoo, but the pain went away. The tattoo artist was sanitary and did everything in front of me. Cleanest place on earth.

If you are not going to be helpful, and only abuse me, then dont answer. I am not whinging about the tattoo, I have more than just this one, I am complaining about pain I am suffering 2 weeks after the matter.

Thank you to all of those that answered my question. I ended up going to a osteopath and he informed me that I had a herniated disc. It could have been caused by the amount of time I spent in one position for the tattoo, but thought it was probably a couple of other factors as well. Am still sore but on the way to feeling better.

Answer 1

It is probably your body. It might be still regrouping from the accident, and maybe the tattoo was done on apart of your body where it had to regroup itself the most.

Answer 2

You will always feel muscle tenderness and stiffness after a tattoo. Even weeks later. I had a tattoo done on my calf (fairly large) and I walked with a limp for over a week.

When you are getting tattooed your muscles contract from the pain; although you may not know it's happening. Even though you use those muscles each day, you will still feel pain after wards from using such a concentrated area during the tattoo.

I would highly doubt an infection. I know MANY people who have tattoos and none of them have gotten an infection from it.

You should ask yourself some questions:
Did the artist use gloves?
Was the station sanitary?
Did the artist use new needles out of the package?
Did the artist prep the station in front of you?

If you answer no to any of these questions then I would go in for a check up with a doctor.

No worries!! I hope you love your new art!!

Answer 3

First off, if the area looks red or if the skin feels painful when you press on the area, or just for the sake of it, go to the doctors. That's what I recommend.

As for what it could possibly be, it might be muscle pain. In August I got the top of my feet tattooed, and after that I walked a little differently, as well kept my shoes off as often as I could. As a result I pulled my muscles differently then I normally do, so I hurt. Also a possibility was the fact that while I was getting the tattoo, I was a little tense, trying to hold my feet still so as not to screw up the tattoo or piss off the artist, and as a result I found a few knots in my feet the day after.

Once again...go to the doctor if you have any concerns. I'm not a doctor, and I'm pretty sure the majority of the people answering questions here aren't either. Better be safe then sorry.

Answer 4

I just had a tattoo that is located aproximately in between my shoulder blades just below the shirt line. Though I have had no previous neck/back injuries, I do remember that I had to sort of stoop forward and look down the entire time. It got uncomfortable and my neck/back was sore for like a day after from being in that postition. Perhaps doing something like this could have aggravated a pre-existing condition. If the pain persists or gets worse, I would definitly consult a physician - your neck and back bones and muscles are nothing to fool around with. I think you would know if the tattoo was infected, is it swollen or red? Pussing? that sort of thing. Good luck, glad your tat turned out nice anyhow.

Answer 5

I got a tattoo on my lower back a few years ago and couldn't stand up straight for like a week. I think its just muscle tenderness that you're experiencing. You may have triggered some left over pain from your accident as well. Just take it easy and it should go away. I think if you had an infection you would know it. Go see a doctor if it still bothers you.

Answer 6

Neck and shoulder pain from stress is not about the stress when you go to bed, it is about the stress that causes you to tense up for long periods during the day. It can also be the result of long periods working at a computer without moving - keeping the head still is "normal" while working but is actually abnormal in terms of human biology and evolution. Try this: every hour, get up from the computer, walk around, and do the "head roll" stretching exercise for several minutes (up to five.) Working condition conventions, and most State labor laws, provide for a ten minute break for every two hours of consecutive work, so you can compel your supervisor to allow this if you get any complaints. Don't skip the head roll when you break for lunch, which may be 30, 45, or 60 minutes. In addition, do the head roll after the work day is over, and several times at intervals between work and bedtime. If you have access to a hot tub or jacuzzi, you should also spend about ten minutes each day, between dinner and bedtime, in the pulsating hot water (set temperature between 100 and 105 degrees F.) The hot bath treatments should ease the congestion you now have in your neck and shoulder muscles which makes the present condition worse. If you do not feel any relief after three days of regular head rolls and daily hot water treatments, go see a doctor.

Answer 7

I'd call a doctor just to be safe. My mother has had Spinal Menengitis and it started out with a stiff neck. I'm paranoid about that though.

Answer 8

you better get to the doctor in a hurry because it sounds like you have a bad infection from the tattoo. most of the tattoo places are unsanitary and should be closed down by the health departments. you will be lucky if this is just a minor infection.

Answer 9

I think it is the tattoo, cos it happened to my partner

Answer 10

GOOD !!!
I'M GLAD YOU'RE IN PAIN !!!
TEACH YOU A LESSON FOR HARMING YOUR BODY !!!