Hello and Welcome to Just Answer,

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They are part of the lymphatic system, which carries fluid (lymph fluid), nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream.

The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms.

Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.

The glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. Glands can also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck. Common sites for swollen lymph nodes include the neck, groin, and underarms.

When lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. This may be caused by:

A viral illness, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox (varicella), or mumps.

Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), which results in fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or cytomegalovirus (CMV), a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis.

A bacterial illness, such as strep throat (caused by the streptococcus bacterium) or Lyme disease (a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks).

Side effects of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.

Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the underlying cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own.

If you have had this for 4 days and it is not getting any better I would most definitely have it looked at. You probably have an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. Especially when you have limited movement of your neck and you are having pain. I don't think that it is an extreme emergency, but if it is worrying you, go to the ER today. If not you most definately need to see a doctor tomorrow. Please don't put this off. Its better to be safe than sorry.

I hope I have answered your questions. If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If I have helped you in anyway by answering your question, please click the ACCEPT button, and leave me a short feedback so I know how I am doing.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Pam Russell RN