Swelling on the left side of my neck, just posterior to the left ear.

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have this swelling on the left side of my neck, posterior to the left ear that is barely noticeable. It is not dramatically painful, but it is still painful to a degree that causes an appreciable level of discomfort. It hurts really badly when I open my mouth wide, and I can feel the pressure acting on it when I open my mouth wide.

It all started perhaps a little longer than a weak ago as a neck pain, which I'd attributed to bad sleep position. Then it kept intensifying until it became apparent that it was not due to a neck twist from bad sleep position. It is barely noticeable from the front. But the shape is obvious when viewed from the left side.

It definitely isn't lymph node swelling; it's more like a swelling in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, as though I received a blunt force injury to it. I'm really not sure what it is, and I can't wait to let my doctor assess it; right now I'm going through a resolution with my insurance, which is the cause of the delay that I'm experiencing.

Does anyone have any idea what this painful swelling might be? Thank you.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    That’s interesting...

    since you’re well learned ... I can’t say much other than if it hurts with a hot sensation you’re likely right.  

    if you press with your fingertips where sternocleidomastoid ends at the clavicle & manubrium of the sternum (flat hand with fingertips on the muscle) and turn your head right and up ... you’ll probably know.

    • Posted

      Thank you for the reply, Jasper. I've performed personal assessment of it to my best ability and can't help thinking that my doctor is my last resort at this point.

    • Posted

      good luck .... doctors just pass me between them.  

      with daily pain, muscle tightness, redness like rash, mine also feels hot to touch.

      I'm considering dystonia, chronic meningitis, infection from neglected gums.  Looking into BOTOX.  Hoping Omega XL helps with pain -- inflammation.

       

  • Posted

    You are well learned and you  should see the doctor. 
    • Posted

      Thank you for your kind words, Kellyshane. I'm almost done with my antibiotics therapy, and the swelling is long gone.

  • Posted

    Might be a day late and a dollar short, but what you described sounds like a herniated or aggravated disc. I just had an acdf done on a herniated disc, and my issues started with exactly what you described. Within 6 months I had a full blown herniation. Hope your making out better than I did 
    • Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply. The swelling clear out within two days of beginning my antibiotics medication. I really don't know what that was, but the important thing now is that it's gone for good.

      Sorry to hear about your herniated disc. But I hope it was successfully resolved for you.

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