I have a really sore throat but it hurts more under my chin and down the sides of my neck along my esophagus could this be an infection in soft tissue?

Maybe,can't tellhere: Could be dental, floor of mouth, salivary gland, thyroid, mediastinal (chest) problem. See your doc. Breathing problems, fever? See them now or er.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: If you throat is really sore you mostly likely have an infection in throat rather than the soft tissues in your neck. There are a bunch of lymph nodes under your chin & along side you neck. The nodes contain your immune system cells & will swell up to fight off an infection. See your dr for exam & to see what infection you have & how to treat it so you can start feeling better!