Neck Muscle Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns

The muscles in the neck are swollen?

30-year-old female with a history of anxiety disorder (currently on medication) experiences swollen cervical lymph nodes during periods of late nights and low immunity, which typically resolves with adequate sleep.
One month ago, she noticed swelling in the left side of her neck, which causes mild pain upon pressure and more severe pain in the shoulder and neck area when laughing.
After a break for relaxation and light swimming, her condition improved.
However, after returning to work a week ago, the symptoms recurred.
She visited two ENT specialists who diagnosed her with inflammation of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle, prescribed medication, and advised the use of a topical ointment twice daily, along with frequent warm compresses.
Despite following these recommendations, the area near her clavicle has become more swollen, and she also feels swelling above her left breast (with muscle tightness in the axillary region).
Currently, she experiences discomfort when turning her neck and stiffness in the back of her neck when fatigued at night.

She speculates possible causes: (1) a long car trip a month ago (though she did not twist her neck during the trip), (2) significant emotional fluctuations during this period (such as crying), and changes in her living environment.
She feels she may not be relaxing while sleeping (waking up with tight teeth and overall body stiffness), and she has never experienced such issues before, typically only having symptoms like fever, cold, diarrhea, or dizziness.
(3) She has also had large pimples under her armpits due to insect bites and has used some topical steroids and taken antibiotics, but for no more than a week.
Questions:
(1) Is further examination necessary? Or should she only seek additional tests like X-rays if the condition persists for an extended period?
(2) Are there any exercises that could improve her current condition? (e.g., gentle swimming?)
(3) Should she pause sexual activity, considering she is currently planning to conceive?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/14

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

The nearby tissues could be considered for muscle inflammation, such as issues with the sternocleidomastoid muscle as assessed by an otolaryngologist, or even a portion of the area you later described may involve inflammation of the upper pectoralis major.
However, thyroid enlargement must be ruled out.
Additionally, the nearby lymph nodes and soft tissues could be inflamed due to poor posture or improper exertion leading to a strain, or it could be due to immune-mediated soft tissue inflammation, or bacterial infection resulting in cellulitis.
If there is no improvement, it is advisable to visit a major hospital for a detailed evaluation by an otolaryngologist and to arrange further relevant tests.
After determining the direction of the problem, a referral to the appropriate specialist can be made.
Exercise is not believed to be beneficial, and there is no need to specifically suspend sexual activity for this reason.

Reply Date: 2015/10/14

More Info

Understanding neck muscle swelling can be complex, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and emotional stress. In your case, it appears that you have been experiencing neck swelling and discomfort, particularly on the left side, which has been diagnosed as inflammation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This muscle is crucial for neck movement and stability, and inflammation can lead to significant discomfort.

Causes of Neck Muscle Swelling
1. Muscle Strain or Injury: Prolonged periods of inactivity, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain neck muscles. Your recent long car trip may have contributed to this strain, even if you did not feel any immediate pain during the journey.

2. Emotional Stress: Anxiety and stress can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. This tension can exacerbate any existing muscle inflammation or strain, leading to a cycle of discomfort.

3. Infection or Inflammation: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory process. Your history of anxiety and low immunity may make you more susceptible to infections, which could explain the swelling of lymph nodes.

4. Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as fibromyalgia or autoimmune disorders can cause widespread muscle pain and swelling. Given your symptoms, it may be worth discussing these possibilities with your healthcare provider.

Treatment Options
1. Medical Evaluation: If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary. This could include imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to assess for any underlying structural issues in the cervical spine or surrounding tissues.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can alleviate tension and promote healing.

3. Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation. This can be particularly effective if done consistently.

4. Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. If prescribed, ensure you follow the dosage instructions carefully.

5. Stress Management: Since emotional stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation may be beneficial.

Exercise Recommendations
Gentle exercises can help improve your condition. Swimming, as you mentioned, can be a low-impact way to engage your muscles without putting too much strain on your neck. Additionally, consider the following:
- Neck Stretches: Gentle neck stretches can help relieve tension. For example, slowly tilting your head to one side and holding for 15-30 seconds can stretch the muscles on the opposite side.

- Shoulder Rolls: Rolling your shoulders forward and backward can help release tension in the upper body.

- Posture Exercises: Focus on exercises that promote good posture, such as wall angels or chin tucks, which can help alleviate strain on the neck.

Concerns About Sexual Activity
Regarding your question about sexual activity, it is generally safe to continue unless you experience significant discomfort. However, if you feel that certain positions exacerbate your neck pain, it may be wise to modify your activities accordingly. If you are planning to conceive, maintaining overall health and well-being is essential, so ensure you are comfortable and not in pain during intimate activities.

Conclusion
In summary, your neck muscle swelling and associated symptoms could stem from a combination of muscle strain, emotional stress, and possibly underlying medical conditions. It is crucial to monitor your symptoms and seek further evaluation if they persist. Engaging in physical therapy, practicing stress management techniques, and incorporating gentle exercises can significantly improve your condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan or exercise routine.

Similar Q&A

Chronic Neck Stiffness and Swelling: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Pain

Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing stiffness and swelling in my right neck for many years. When I turn my head to the right, I feel tightness, and my right eyelid and eyebrow feel weak, which often leads me to raise my eyebrows involuntarily, making it look quite unattractiv...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, I believe it is essential to first clarify whether there is cervical nerve root compression or cervical myofascial pain. Prolonged periods of looking down can lead to overuse of the trapezius muscle in the neck, resulting in neck and shoulder dis...

Understanding Neck Swelling: Causes and When to Seek ENT Help

There is swelling on the left side of my neck and shoulder, but it is not very noticeable to the naked eye. When I turn my head to the left, I can feel the swelling on the left side of my neck. When I perform a chin tuck, I can also distinctly feel the swelling throughout my neck...

Dr. Hong Guangliang reply Otolaryngology
Hello Nick, regarding your symptoms, my suggestions are as follows: 1. Based on your description, it seems that you may not actually have a palpable mass; rather, it could be muscle stiffness causing neck tightness. This can be related to poor posture, gastroesophageal reflux, or...

Understanding Left Neck Pain and Swelling: Causes and Solutions

Two days ago, I woke up with difficulty turning my neck. I thought it was due to sleeping in an awkward position, so I didn't pay much attention, assuming it would improve in a couple of days. However, today I noticed swelling and pain on the left side of my cervical spine, ...

Dr. Xu Xianda reply Neurosurgery
Hello, 1. Your neck pain may be caused by poor posture, leading to muscle soreness in the neck. Rest and medication should effectively alleviate the discomfort. 2. It is more challenging to determine the cause of the "swelling." I recommend that you visit a doctor i...

Understanding Neck Issues: Muscle Tension or Swelling?

I have a hard area on one side of my neck that feels slightly swollen compared to the other side. It doesn't hurt and covers a large area. Could this be due to poor sleeping posture causing muscle stiffness, or is it a lump? There doesn't seem to be any visible protrusi...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Based on the current information, it is not possible to make a determination. If you are concerned, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, ...