A 48-year-old member asked:
What does it mean when you have swollen tonsils plus some stiff neck?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Howard Gollupanswered
Pediatrics 45 years experience
Possible lymph nodes: Tonsils are lymph nodes--the structures that hold many cells of our immune system. They can get enlarged as a response to infection. There are glands in the neck often called 'swollen glands' when enlarged, so often the two go together and both can feel sore if inflamed. Strep throat and many viruses can cause this. Cancer is rare for what you describe, but i strongly recommend seeing your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Carla Enriquezanswered
Pediatrics 52 years experience
Muscle spasm: A sore throat can irritate the muscles of the neck causing stiffness or pain in the back or side of the neck. Swollen glands can cause the same on the front of neck under the jaw. See your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
My question is what causes headaches, swollen tonsils, stiff neck, and earaches?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Kathleen Gilmoreanswered
Urgent Care 28 years experience
Throat infection : The group of symptoms listed can form a cascade. Tonsils can be swollen from infection, possibly viral or bacterial. Referred pain from the throat to the ears is common, so the ears hurt. When there is an infection in the throat, lymph nodes in the neck would swell, which may become sore, and cause the neck to feel stiff.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 26, 2017
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