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What Causes Sharp Pain On One Side Of Neck?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2014
Question: I have been having pain in the left side of my neck which my GP passed off as muscular. Then the lymph node behind my left ear became swollen and my GP took bloodwork which he said was perfect so I shouldn't worry about anything. Last night while sitting at dinner I had a sudden sharp pain on the front left side of neck which went from under jaw to collarbone. It lasted a few minutes but has felt extremely sore since then and my left gland at top corner of throat is swollen as well as lymph node behind ear still swollen. I am concerned that this May be something serious. Is it possible something can be wrong even though my bloodwork was normal? Should I be worried?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Ear,throat infections to rule out

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

1.Pain in left neck associated with swollen lymph nodes behind ear and swollen throat gland (tonsils) is indicating throat infection.

2. It is not serious but can be well managed.

3. If blood work was fine, that's great. No generalized infection is present in blood. However, this does not exclude the presence of throat infection .

4. If flu symptoms are present, the , what you are experiencing is due to viral infection. Symptomatic treatment is advised, including pain killers, keeping a good throat hygiene. It will be subsided in a few days.

5. If no flu symptoms are present, then should rule out bacterial throat infection. Throat swab culture is advised to run to determine infection and susceptible antibiotics. In this case, you might need oral antibiotics.

6. Ear infection should be excluded too as it is a common complication in either above mentioned cases.
Hope it helped!
Dr. Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)
A throat infection with no sore throat? Also, I did initially take antibiotics at first sign of swollen lymph node.

The "gland" that is swollen is not tonsils. Sorry if I am calling it a gland and it is not. It in on the front of left side of throat up high close to where neck meets under jaw. It is hard ans feels like a lump. There is non o n either side of neck but left feels considerably bigger and tender right now.

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A photo is needed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If this is your case, can you send a photo of the swollen gland inside your throat, so I can evaluate it myself without precipitating in my judgment?

From location you are describing, it might be infected throat/oral mucosa (gingivitis). Anyway, the photo will clarify everything.

Antibiotics you took might be of help if bacterial infection is confirmed. If virus is present, then, it will take longer to get improvement.

All the best!
Dr.Albana
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7303 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain On One Side Of Neck?

Brief Answer: Ear,throat infections to rule out Detailed Answer: Hi, 1.Pain in left neck associated with swollen lymph nodes behind ear and swollen throat gland (tonsils) is indicating throat infection. 2. It is not serious but can be well managed. 3. If blood work was fine, that's great. No generalized infection is present in blood. However, this does not exclude the presence of throat infection . 4. If flu symptoms are present, the , what you are experiencing is due to viral infection. Symptomatic treatment is advised, including pain killers, keeping a good throat hygiene. It will be subsided in a few days. 5. If no flu symptoms are present, then should rule out bacterial throat infection. Throat swab culture is advised to run to determine infection and susceptible antibiotics. In this case, you might need oral antibiotics. 6. Ear infection should be excluded too as it is a common complication in either above mentioned cases. Hope it helped! Dr. Albana