Hello Doctor,
For about a week I've experienced a pain on the side of my neck. It's
not inside my throut but more like in the tendon area on the side. When
I push there with my index finger it gives me pain. I was thinking it
might have somthing to do with a bad tooth, but the tooth in question
doesn't pain me. Sometimes it hurts when I swallow and the left side of
my jaw kind of pops or cracks at times. I'm very worried and I'm going
to see a dentist (check for an absess) before going to a Medical Doctor.
What do you think of these symtoms?
Reply: -----------------------------
Such a symptom could be a manifestation of a variety of different problems including muscle strain or inflammation, impingement of a nerve in the neck such as that which can occur with spine problems, pain referred from a dental problem such as a jaw joint dysfunction, infected lymph node due to an upper respiratory problem, etc. If the dentist does not uncover a dental problem that would likely cause the neck pain, then it would be appropriate to consult with a medical doctor.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations