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HiI have this uncomfortable feeling in the left side of

Sent to Health Experts August 2 2006 at 5:48 PM
   

Hi

I have this uncomfortable feeling in the left side of my neck, under the jaw line.
This is where I sometimes get that ice cream headache feeling.
I don't usually get the ice cream headache in the head area.
I feel like its near a vein. I'm not sure if I strained a muscle in my neck.
Could it be possible to strain a muscle in this area?
Can stress cause this?
thanks
Linda
Should I be alarmed?

 

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Answer
August 2 2006 at 7:13 PM (1 hour and 24 minutes and 51 seconds later)
         
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Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy),

Process of elimination here.....swollen gland (aka lymph node.) If it is a swollen gland, you may be able to palpate it. It may feel tender. Swollen glands are a response to the body's attempt to fight off an infection. Usually other signs of infection are present when you have swollen glands such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, etc.

Another possibility could simply be a strained muscle. In this case, you would notice increased or agitated pain with movement of the neck (side to side, up and down, etc.) In this case, ibuprofen can help the discomfort along with a good chiropractor or massage therapist if pain persists. Warm compress may also provide some relief.

If the above two do not seem to apply to you, you may want to be examined by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He/she may order an MRI of the temporomandibular joint. (TMJ) The pain related to TMJ is similar to your symptoms.

Your question about stress worsening it? Absolutely. Especially if it is muscular or TMJ as it causes strain on the already uncomfortable area. Avoid grinding teeth or tensing up your neck and jaw.



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AnnlynnRN -- Nurse (RN) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 565 Health Accepts
RN - 13 years in ICU & Critical Care (Cardiac, Neurology, Trauma, & Medical/Surgical ICU.)
Reply
August 2 2006 at 7:30 PM (17 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
Reply to AnnlynnRN's Post: Hi
The glands don't feel swollen, but that doesn't mean they couldn't be.
It doesn't hurt to move my head and neck side to side or up and down.
When I swallow it doesn't hurt, it's just slightly uncomfortable. Basically annoying, like when you have a sore throat.
It feels like it's throbbing, like when you feel for your pulse on your wrist or neck.
My concern is, could there be something growing (cancer) in that area and it's pushing on this vein or muscle? I don't feel anything large or out of the ordinary in this area.
If I had an infection in the gland area, wouldn't both sides be swollen?
Thanks for your time.
Linda
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 2 2006 at 8:21 PM (50 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
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Dear Linda,

Thanks for the additional info. I think we can probably rule out muscular involvement (but remember, your doctor will need to officially rule this out for you after a complete examination.) I am swaying toward the swollen gland. It may only be slightly swollen, therefore you would be unable to palpate it. It is possible to only have one gland swollen. As I mentioned above, swollen gland(s) are in response to the body fighting infection.

I suggest you see your general practitioner if this doesn't begin to clear on it's own within a week. Also, if you begin to develop any fever, fatigue, weight loss with the other symptoms, call your doctor for appointment as you may need antibiotics. In the meantime, try some ibuprofen to relieve pain.



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AnnlynnRN -- Nurse (RN) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 565 Health Accepts
RN - 13 years in ICU & Critical Care (Cardiac, Neurology, Trauma, & Medical/Surgical ICU.)
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