Did you know there’s a link between sore throats and neck pain? It’s common to experience both neck pain and a sore throat when you’re feeling sick, and these symptoms can range from mild and manageable to very severe and painful. Since the neck and throat are close together, any illness or injury that affects one will likely affect the other.
Understanding Sore Throats and Neck Pain
Sore throats and neck pain are common health issues that often occur together. The throat is a muscular tube that runs from the back of the mouth to the stomach, surrounded by muscles, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. Conversely, the neck is made up of vertebrae extending from the skull to the upper torso, with cervical discs absorbing shock between the bones. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury in these areas can cause sore throats and neck pain.
Common Causes of Sore Throats and Neck Pain
Sore throats and neck pain often go hand in hand, primarily because the neck and throat are anatomically close. When one area is affected, the other frequently follows suit. Here are some common causes:
- Viral and Bacterial Infections: Conditions like strep throat, colds, and the flu can cause inflammation and swollen lymph nodes, leading to sore throats and neck pain.
- Allergies: Airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and mold, as well as specific food allergens, can cause irritation and inflammation in the throat and neck.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can lead to a sore throat and neck pain when stomach acids travel up to the throat.
- Tumors: Though rare, head and neck cancers can present with persistent sore throat and neck pain.
- Muscle Tension and Strain: Poor posture, overuse, and stress can lead to muscle tension and strain in the neck, contributing to pain.
- Injury: Trauma from incidents like whiplash or falls can cause significant neck pain and potentially affect the throat.
Infection
A bacterial or viral infection is one of the most common causes of sore throat and neck pain. Viral and bacterial infections can occur in the tonsils, esophagus, or trachea and contribute to painful swelling in the neck and throat. Sore throat symptoms include pain, scratchiness, or irritation that can worsen with swallowing. The most common infections are a cold or flu, tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis.
When you have an infection, the body triggers its natural immune response, signaling the lymph nodes to produce more white blood cells to fight the disease. The lymph nodes will also filter and collect harmful particles. Severe conditions like meningitis can affect the spinal cord, highlighting the urgency of proper diagnosis and treatment.
All this heightened activity and blood flow leads to swollen lymph nodes. The swelling places added pressure on the throat and can cause neck pain. Once the infection has cleared, either on its own or by antibiotics, the sore throat and neck pain will disappear, and the lymph nodes will return to normal.
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of both sore throats and neck pain. Airborne allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, mold, and food allergens, can cause a sore throat and severe neck pain. Allergies cause a dry, itchy throat and neck pain, as well as:
- A stuffy nose
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Tingling in the mouth or throat
- Swelling in the lips
- hives
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Excessive fatigue
Symptoms persist as long as the allergen is in the air or you continue to eat it, and only when the allergen is removed will the sore throat and neck pain disappear.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Another cause of sore throat and neck pain is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux. When food particles, fluids, or stomach acids travel up to the throat, it can cause sore throat and neck pain. Other GERD symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- The sensation of having a painful lump in your throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- A horse voice when you try to speak
- A dry cough
Treatment options for GERD include modifying your diet to include more lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Acid reflux can also be controlled through weight loss and by avoiding eating just before bed. Other treatments include medication.
Head and Neck Cancers
Did you know that a tumor could cause a sore throat and neck pain? In fact, an ongoing sore throat is one of the symptoms of cancer of the neck or head. Other symptoms of a tumor are:
- A sinus infection
- Headaches
- Swelling in the jaw
- Experiencing pain when swallowing
- Having a lump on the head or neck
- A numbness in the muscles of the face or neck
Tumors are sporadic, and if you have a sore throat or neck pain, you most likely don’t have cancer. In fact, the annual diagnosis of head and neck cancers is only around 53,000 people, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you do have a tumor, surgery is the best treatment option to remove the tumor and relieve your symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the cause of a sore throat and neck pain is crucial for effective treatment. A doctor may perform a physical exam, take a medical history, and order diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options vary depending on the cause but may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, pain relievers for neck pain, and rest and hydration for viral infections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat conditions such as tumors or herniated discs.
Prevention and Self-Care
Preventing sore throats and neck pain requires a combination of good hygiene, healthy lifestyle habits, and self-care practices. To prevent sore throats, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others. To prevent neck pain, maintain good posture, take regular breaks to rest your neck muscles, and engage in exercises that strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles. Self-care practices such as applying heat or cold packs, stretching, and getting enough sleep can help alleviate sore throat and neck pain symptoms.
When to Visit An ENT
If you have a sore throat and neck pain, you’re likely suffering from a common cold, and after a few days, you’ll feel better. You should visit your doctor or ENT if your symptoms are very severe or persist for more than a few days. If your throat or neck is sore and painful, and home remedies don’t relieve you, you should seek medical help.
The ENT will perform a physical exam to check for swelling, lumps, redness, or fever. They’ll also ask if you have trouble swallowing, have severe headaches, or experience any numbness in the face or limbs. They may also order blood work or follow-up tests to verify the cause of your symptoms before suggesting a treatment option.
If you have a sore throat and neck pain, rest as much as possible, drink lots of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. Your symptoms should clear in just a few days.