Could swollen lymph nodes be related to chronic neck pain?
October 23, 2017 1:09 PM Subscribe
I have two swollen lymph nodes in my neck, which have been there for 3-4 months and probably aren't malignant. I've also had chronic neck stiffness and pain for some years. Is there any conceivable relation between these things? YANMD etc.
A few months ago I noticed a swollen lymph node in my neck, right under the left side of my jaw. Had a CT scan (it turned out to be two adjacent lymph nodes) then a biopsy, which came back negative for cancer cells. My PCP still thought it should be taken out, and sent me to a neck surgeon, but the surgeon was reluctant to operate and thought I should see an ENT doctor first. Neither of them had a clear idea of the etiology. I'm currently waiting for an appointment with the ENT doc.
For the last few years I've also suffered from pretty severe chronic stiffness in my neck and jaw, with limited range of neck motion and occasional pain. (A chiropractor once joked that I had the world's stiffest neck.) My assumption has been that this is from computer use, which I've accordingly cut down on drastically in the past couple of months but without much effect so far. Physical therapy, massage, and exercise all help somewhat but it still seems to be slowly worsening over the years.
I've been assuming that the neck stuff is muscular and couldn't have anything to do with the lymph nodes, but could they conceivably be related in any way? What got me thinking this is that the swollen nodes are on the left and my neck and jaw discomfort is usually worse on the left (if I have pain it's usually on the left, and my left TMJ clicks when I move my jaw). It seems like a long shot but I don't know enough to rule it out. Is there a possible connection?
A few months ago I noticed a swollen lymph node in my neck, right under the left side of my jaw. Had a CT scan (it turned out to be two adjacent lymph nodes) then a biopsy, which came back negative for cancer cells. My PCP still thought it should be taken out, and sent me to a neck surgeon, but the surgeon was reluctant to operate and thought I should see an ENT doctor first. Neither of them had a clear idea of the etiology. I'm currently waiting for an appointment with the ENT doc.
For the last few years I've also suffered from pretty severe chronic stiffness in my neck and jaw, with limited range of neck motion and occasional pain. (A chiropractor once joked that I had the world's stiffest neck.) My assumption has been that this is from computer use, which I've accordingly cut down on drastically in the past couple of months but without much effect so far. Physical therapy, massage, and exercise all help somewhat but it still seems to be slowly worsening over the years.
I've been assuming that the neck stuff is muscular and couldn't have anything to do with the lymph nodes, but could they conceivably be related in any way? What got me thinking this is that the swollen nodes are on the left and my neck and jaw discomfort is usually worse on the left (if I have pain it's usually on the left, and my left TMJ clicks when I move my jaw). It seems like a long shot but I don't know enough to rule it out. Is there a possible connection?
Have you ruled out an abscessed tooth?
posted by OHenryPacey at 1:49 PM on October 23, 2017
posted by OHenryPacey at 1:49 PM on October 23, 2017
I can't comment on the lymph node situation but as far as your neck pain, have you spoken to your dentist about it? Seriously...I have a similar issue with neck/shoulder/jaw pain and I mentioned this to my dentist in passing and he without hesitation told me that yes, clenching/grinding/tensing your teeth and jaw can result in neck and shoulder pain. So we got me fitted for a nightime mouth guard and it has helped.
Unfortunately for me I don't wear the mouth guard as often (every night) as I should so my neck/shoulder pains return. I also am on the computer both for work and leisure so that, coupled with not the best posture, gives me a hurting. Like you, I am in the process of cutting down on my computer use.
posted by eatcake at 3:44 PM on October 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Unfortunately for me I don't wear the mouth guard as often (every night) as I should so my neck/shoulder pains return. I also am on the computer both for work and leisure so that, coupled with not the best posture, gives me a hurting. Like you, I am in the process of cutting down on my computer use.
posted by eatcake at 3:44 PM on October 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
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A Danish study from a few years ago claimed that 40% of chronic lower back pain could be due to infection, and if that's true of the lower spine, I see no reason your upper spine problems couldn't have the same cause.
posted by jamjam at 1:22 PM on October 23, 2017