Sore throat and neck tension after COVID-19
Doctor's diagnosis: Chronic nasopharyngitis
symptom
The patient visited the clinic complaining of throat discomfort and tension in the front of the neck, which had started a month prior. Two months prior, the patient had contracted COVID-19 and, after recovering, had been working without rest, when the sensation of a lump in the throat appeared. The symptoms persisted throughout the day and did not fluctuate. The patient works in a job that requires using their voice, and the throat discomfort caused hoarseness and difficulty speaking loudly, which interfered with their work. They were diagnosed with suspected chronic nasopharyngitis at a medical institution and underwent B-spot therapy, but no significant improvement was achieved. In addition, postnasal drip and pain in the left ear were occasionally observed.
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Visitors
Female
60's
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Period
February 2025 - March 2025
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Visit Frequency per week
1
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Number of Visits
3
Treatment and progress
Upon initial examination, palpation revealed tension in the anterior neck, particularly on the left side of the anterior neck. Pain occurred on the right side during neck flexion and extension. Acupuncture was performed on points in the hands and feet, and after the first treatment, the patient reported feeling that their voice was clearer. From the second treatment onward, the same treatment approach was followed by the addition of treatment to reduce fever in the head. With each subsequent treatment, the feeling of tightness in the throat gradually decreased, and the periods of relief lengthened. During the treatment period, there was a mild relapse of symptoms the day after consuming a large amount of sweets, but significant improvement was achieved after three treatments.
Acupressure points used
Summary
For throat discomfort and neck tension resulting from overwork following COVID-5 infection, a combination of acupuncture on points in the hands and feet and treatment to reduce fever in the head was administered. The patient felt an improvement in voice clarity from the first session, and symptoms significantly decreased after five sessions. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of a traditional Eastern medicine approach in a patient whose condition had not improved with Western medical treatment for suspected chronic nasopharyngitis. The influence of diet during the treatment period was also observed, suggesting that excessive consumption of sweets may contribute to symptom recurrence. For patients engaged in occupations that rely on their voice, early symptom improvement is crucial for returning to work, and this case demonstrates the usefulness of acupuncture treatment.
Staff in charge
Seiya Fujieda
Acupuncture clinic for the case:Eda Acupuncture and Massage Clinic
