Ache on left side of neck under jaw when swallowing for 3 weeks
Posted , 34 users are following.
Hello, I have been going into a deep depression because of this. It all started 3 weeks ago when I noticed I had a minor sore throat on the left side when swallowing saliva. I went to a walk-in clinic last week and have almost finished all the anti-biotics I was given for a supposed "sinus infection", which I know I don't have. I have no other symptoms and feel completely fine outside of this issue.
Whenever I swallow saliva I will feel a dull ache or quick pinch deep near my left lymph node, near under the left side of my jaw. It is about an inch or two to the left of my adam's apple.
I don't notice it as much when eating but I do when drinking. I've been taking 1200mg of ibuprofen a day which sometimes gets rid of the pain for a few hours, but it's starting to have no effect. I would only rate the pain a 2 or 3 out of 10, so it's minor, but it has been constantly there for 3 weeks.
I've researched this like crazy and I feel it's not related to the throat, but more so my neck/left lymph node area that stems to beneath the left of my jaw. There's nothing visibly wrong so I'm at a total loss. I've read it could be inflammation of the cardoid sheath over my jugular vein, as I do always feel my pulse when I touch the area where it aches after swallowing. I've so read thyroid issue, lymph node issues and just about everything else.
The issue is that I have to see my Doctor to get referred to a specialist but because of the holiday season he is booked until the 20th of November. I fear going to the hospital would just lead to me getting an inconclusive result as I feel this cannot be determined by just feeling the area for it feels like it always has on the outside. Still, I cannot get away from this ache or pinch when swallowing.
Please help. Any kind of insight would go miles to calming me down. I also suffer from Bipolar 2 disorder so this does not help. I smoked for 5 years but recently quit. I'm a tall 27 years old in otherwise good health.
0 likes, 49 replies
jeff44943 markr89
Posted
Just had an X-ray, blood test, saw my dentist and got an ultrasound done in the last week. The first 3 came back normal and the ultrasound results will come back shortly so I can comment. Can i ask if everyone having the same issue has their tonsils and adenoids?
Beanshee jeff44943
Posted
I also finally had some tests. First had a modified Barium swallow study which came out normal, then I had an endoscopy of my throat, also normal. Was very relieved that it wasn’t cancer, and now I am on a mission to find out what else could be causing the symtoms.
I also went to the dentist and I do have a molar on the lower left that has a poorly done root canal, the periodontist wants me to see a specialist for root canals now that all my tests came back normal. So that will be something else I will have to have checked out.
Interesting you asked about the tonsils and adenoids...I had my tonsils out in 1984. From 1997 on I experienced severe facial pains, pain in my jaw, ears and throat and frequent headaches. I went to dentists since it always felt like it was my teeth. Had root canals done but the pain kept coming back about once a month and would last for several days. This went on for 10 years! In 2007 I had this sensation that there was something in my throat- sort of like when you got a tiny piece from Popcorn in your throat. It didn’t hurt but was aggravating. Went to an ENT and she ordered a CT scan. It was found that I have bilateral Eagle Syndrome which is a very rare disease where the stylohoid ligaments in the throat start to calcify and elongate, and this disorder has an array of symtoms - many are what you all are experiencing. Back then I didn’t check into the other symptoms that much - the sensation of a foreign object in the throat was one of the most prominent symptoms listed and once I knew what it was I was ok. Surgery can be done for this but the surgery is extremely dangerous as this ligament is located right next to the carotid artery. I can deal with the flare ups and I really hadn’t had any problems over the past few years.
Well in the last couple of weeks I researched Eagle’s Syndrome again and it turns out that it can also cause problems and pain with swallowing as well as hoarseness and voice changes and cough which I also have been experiencing now. So for me the next step is a new CT scan to see if my Eagle’s Syndrome has progressed and may be the cause of these problems. Previously only my right side was affected and I was asymptomatic in the left but since I do have it bilaterally it is possible that now I am having problems on the left too now. Nobody really knows what causes Eagle’s but they think that it may be caused to some sort of trauma or from removal of the tonsils.
So if you all can’t get any answers then it may be worth getting checked for Eagle’s.
jeff44943
Posted
Hey all, ultrasound came back normal! Now here's the kicker, the constant feeling of something at the back of the tongue/throat is now gone!!! Here's what happened. My doctor felt something like a stone when he prodded around the back of my throat. So before I went for my ultrasound I investigated tonsil stones and getting rid of them. I proceeded to poke at my tonsil and see if I could push one out. Didn't really see or feel anything come out but the pain is gone!!! The next test is a CT and we'll go from there but I'm thinking it's either subsided for a bit or I pushed out a tonsil stone. Check YouTube for a how to...pretty gross lol.
Next appt is Thursday and I'll get back to y'all
BenMaccc212 jeff44943
Posted
Hey Jeff, how did things turn out with your CT scan? I've had a very similar situation where the discomfort subsides from a similar "squeezing" or prodding of the odd semi-mobile mass in the back of the throat (Mine is in the floor of the mouth on the right side of the midline, almost pushed up against the midline of the tongue where it connects to the floor of the mouth. Over time, I've nervously "excavated" the area with my tongue (constantly checking/rechecking it). I've also experienced the weird pinching down one side of my throat while swallowing and less discomfort when swallowing foods. I met with an oral surgeon who felt the spot and deemed it to be a "Thyroid Nodule of the Sub Mandibular Region", but then after following up with my GP and having both a TSH test (came back normal) and an ultrasound which resulted in the diagnosis of a "Reactive sub mandibular lymph node", they gave me the option for a fine needle biopsy or to come back in 8 weeks for another ultrasound to check for growth or changes. My fear of treating the "lump" as a tonsil stone is that in the case that the lump is actually cancer, I would be squeezing the malignant cells through the node to the rest of the system. I'm able to flex my neck muscle to reveal the location of the nodule on the outside of my neck, once I get a finger on the outside of the spot, while pushing up and examining the back of my throat using my tongue, I can feel and slightly move the mass around. It is below the skin and can get really tightly pinched between the different bones and muscles below the roots of my front teeth (again, on the right side/submandibular region).
Just thought I'd provide a similar perspective from someone who's also seeking answers, hoping one day to have the piece of mind to leave these thoughts and fears behind me.
God bless,
-Ben
amybaby markr89
Posted
Hello I too have these symptoms and have for years. Ha's anyone been sent to or questioned about a Saliva Clinic ? The saliva glands get clogged and dry from lack of production, When they are tightly clogged you can nurse them (with a warm washcloth helps} Its painful but the "stones" clogging the gland let way and the pressure and pain are relieved . It needs special attention and helps when the pain is too much. But this is only a symptom reliever Its Its something else to cure it.
Mommyfresh markr89
Posted
june47628 markr89
Posted
Hi all, oh how relieved am I to read I'm not the only one suffering. Mine started before Christmas, a cold, chest infection, viral infection, sinusitis, more colds etc etc. 10 weeks ago my ear felt it just 'filled up' and felt blocked. I have had occasional stabbing pains, so back to the GP for the 100th time (Ok exaggeration but you know what I mean) more antibiotics and told no ear infection but probably linked to my sinuses. I've also had a swollen face 3x this past year, again told sinuses possibly cellulitus . I went to ENT and have nasal sprays to use until i go back in May. Blood tests show no significant allergies and CT scan of sinuses shows a polyp on the right nostril. I was told I have chronic rhinitis and reaccuring sinusitis. I'm kind of coping with that, some days better than others and I would think I've suffered with sinus problems the past 4/5 years or more. But my ear!!! The pain in my jaw, behind and under my ear is a dull ache and when I swallow it feels tight and painful what is it? It's really getting me down. Thank you
delta16326 markr89
Posted
This problem occurred with me and I panicked a little, I didn't know what to do. I found no solution. I read all the 37 replies before me and could not find and answer.
I was thinking a lot. I remembered I had some amoxicillin laying around. I had gotten excess from my doctor, that I didn't need. I decided to Google if amoxicillin was good for tonsillitis. It was, according to my understanding. I decided to take 500 mg every 8 hours. My first dosage was 1000mg. I have for 10 days. I should not quit before the 10 days are over, even though the pain is gone. I'm on day 2 now and feel significant improvement in pain and management of the throat..
Amoxicillin works for the symptoms described throughout this post
balaji94767 delta16326
Posted
How do you feel. Even I have the same problem, I feel uncomfortable when swallowing. I am a smoker too.
debra99078 markr89
Posted
@velma1832 @billy13645 @annastaci70306
TO ALL OF YOU
I think we all tend to overthink a few issues with our mouth and throat when we're a smoker or x smoker. I have a similar issue where I can't swallow or produce saliva. I had a blood test done and have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) for which I NOW TAKE MEDICATION.
I believe strongly that we over diagnose illnesses because we see advertising about throat cancer and immediately think that we have it! I have small sharp pains on the left side of my throat - especially when lying down and sleeping. Our oral health is important if we smoke! DO IS HYDRATION! I will be seeing a dentist soon and they can do any tests and visually examine the mouth, gums and throat too.
DON'T SELF DIAGNOSE! I EVEN HAD A COLONOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPY AS I WAS SURE I HAD CANCER! It was all clear and the surgeon that did this said its probably your medication drying up your saliva. HE TOLD ME TO DRINK MORE WATER AND NO COFFEE... and give up smoking of course! PLEASE take this as it's meant... simply advice from a worrier that didn't need to worry. Have a nice day.
peggy64154 markr89
Posted
I've been having similar symptoms for about a week. I quit smoking 8 years ago, I dont have a cold, I dont have tonsils, a root canal or ground my teeth. ibuprofen gives a little relief. it feels like there might be an issue with my middle or inner ear draining correctly. it is very sensitive to touch under the back of my right jaw. if I push on it and suck I'm pretty sure something nasty is draining into my throat which leads me to believe it is some kind of an infection. I will definitely see a doctor tomorrow. im going to try gargling a mixture of water and peroxide and a heating pad tonight.
julie73220 markr89
Posted
Hi there, I know this is quite a long time since now but did you ever get this resolved pls?
susan12107 markr89
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i doubt you are still on this thread but i too have this issue that began a day after i flossed my teeth. Now i have to admit.. i am not a fan of flossing as my teeth are very close together and the floss breaks off inbetween my teeth and wont come out.So on that note- it had been at least 2 months since i last flossed and have not had a dental cleaning in yrs as i have no health ins as i cant afford it, i do not have yucky teeth- but my gums bled very bad and im sure lots of bacteria came with that blood pooling out. So the following day was when my pain just under my jaw began.. accompied by ear pain and jaw pain. The jaw pain pretty much subsided but still have ear/ throat pain all day on my left side only when swallowing . But if i lay on my right side i dont feel ut but the left side everytime i swallow it wakes me in pain. Dr does not know what it is... suggested an ENT but they cant get me in until the end of july 2020!!! Really????!!! I did schedule a dental exam/ cleaning as i applied for medicaid to help out- I guess i go from there.. im leaning towards the bacteria that entered in. Anyone has some imput please imput away
Rendee susan12107
Posted
I had to go to an ENT out of town, local doctors couldn't figure it out. Discovered squamous cancer cells on left side of my throat. Had laser surgery, so far check-ups have been great.
Rendee markr89
Posted
Mine turned out to be squamous cancer cells, had laser surgery to remove it. Local doctors couldn't figure it out, had to go out of town.