I'm finding it very painful to swallow. this started after a cold. my neck also swells when i wake up and the whole of my neck hurts. what is wrong?

See a doctor ASAP: Am not sure what is going on without seeing and examining you, but neck swelling should never be ignored without a detailed exam and explanation for the cause, since it may be due to very severe processes and may portend impairment of your trachea and therefore breathing. See somebody soon and good luck. Hope this turns out to be little or nothing serious.