Question 1

woke up today with a stiff neck from below ear downwards, feel unwell and lump on sternocleidomastoid muscle. my neck really tender hurts to touch?

Accepted Answer

Get checked out: A lump on your sternocleidomastoid could be a lymph node.  In that case, you might have an infection or inflammation.  There are many causes of stiff neck, but in the setting of swollen lymph nodes, i would be sure to be checked out.  Meningitis can cause stiff neck, for example, and you don't want to miss that diagnosis.  I would see a doc asap.

Question 2

enlarged, hard, non tender lymph node on right side of neck below ear some shap pain, stiff neck normal white cell count, ultrasound set for tommorrow?

Accepted Answer

Wait: For results of ultrasound and possible biopsy.  Sounds as if the doctor caring for you is progressing in an appropriate fashion.

Question 3

small lump on right side of neck, just behind jaw, about inch below ear. is this just a swollen lymph node? slight sore throat. worried it's a tumor.

Accepted Answer

Lymph Node: You are most likely feeling a lymph node that is reacting to a infection that is causing your sore throat. Lymph nodes monitor our bodies and aid in the fight against infections. Once the infection is over this lymph node should return to normal. If it persists, bring it to the attention of your primary care physician.

Question 4

hi for the past 2-3 days i've been having, headaches, below ear pain, neck, body and joint soreness. is this the flu ? i had the flu shot.

Accepted Answer

Could be.: But any acute viral illness can cause these symptoms.

Question 5

for the past two days throat sore and ear aches, throat pain is in very localized spot just under jaw below ear. is it ear or throat?

Accepted Answer

Throat: Pharyngitis (throat infection) often causes pain referred to the ear.  The ear itself is rarely involved in adults. Treat with anti inflammatory medicine as usual.

Question 6

i have tenderness on both sides of my neck below my ear what is this?

Accepted Answer

Muscles, lymph nodes: I suspect it's either the muscles of your neck or mildly irritated/inflamed superficial cervical lymph nodes - especially if you've been sick recently.  I recommend to my pt's to try some Ibuprofen or tylenol (acetaminophen) first, give it a few days and then see me if its not improving.  Best of luck.

Question 7

i found a mass the size of a thumbprint that's firm/bony &very tender to the touch. it's on the left side ear level. below it, sore node on back neck?

Accepted Answer

Exam  needed: I recommend that you have a physician examine this mass. Even if it appears to be an enlarged lymph node it should be reexamined in a week or two to assure that  it has receded in size and if it hasn't, further evaluation by biopsy may be advised in order to rule out malignancy. Reexamination is also important to ensure that other masses have not appeared.

Question 8

woken up with tender neck, it starts from the bony bit that is behind the ear and goes down, aches to keep head up, also feel tired what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Mastoiditis: Go and get checked by your doc.  You could have inflammation in the bone behind the ear called the mastoid air cells.  This can refer pain to the neck and also could affect your hearing.  Since you are feeling tired there is a concern there may be a possible infection with swollen glands in this area.  Go get checked out.

Question 9

tender when pressed hard pea size lymph node by ear on neck of 6 yr old .. worry or watch?

Accepted Answer

Worry: If tender,  increased warmth  or red color would have eveluated.

Question 10

i have a lump on the back of head right on top of neck line. in addition, the left side back of the ear area is tender to touch. what could that be?

Accepted Answer

Ear infection: There is branch of lymph nodes or "intersections of your immune system" that run in a chain down your neck and around your neck line.  Most likely you are feeling the swelling of a lymph node.  Considering your ear hurts I would have to imagine you have an ear infection or some other irritation.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Tenderness in neck below ear

A member asked:

Woke up today with a stiff neck from below ear downwards, feel unwell and lump on sternocleidomastoid muscle. my neck really tender hurts to touch?

A member asked:

Enlarged, hard, non tender lymph node on right side of neck below ear some shap pain, stiff neck normal white cell count, ultrasound set for tommorrow?

A member asked:

Small lump on right side of neck, just behind jaw, about inch below ear. is this just a swollen lymph node? slight sore throat. worried it's a tumor.

A member asked:

Hi for the past 2-3 days i've been having, headaches, below ear pain, neck, body and joint soreness. is this the flu ? i had the flu shot.

A member asked:

For the past two days throat sore and ear aches, throat pain is in very localized spot just under jaw below ear. is it ear or throat?

A member asked:

I have tenderness on both sides of my neck below my ear what is this?

A member asked:

I found a mass the size of a thumbprint that's firm/bony &very tender to the touch. it's on the left side ear level. below it, sore node on back neck?

A member asked:

Woken up with tender neck, it starts from the bony bit that is behind the ear and goes down, aches to keep head up, also feel tired what could this be?

A member asked:

Tender when pressed hard pea size lymph node by ear on neck of 6 yr old .. worry or watch?

A member asked:

I have a lump on the back of head right on top of neck line. in addition, the left side back of the ear area is tender to touch. what could that be?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?