Why does my neck hurt in the front under my chin and what can I do about it?

A patient complaining that his neck hurts in front under the chin is not such a rare case in the practice of modern doctors. Patients themselves, faced with unpleasant or painful sensations in the throat area, often begin to panic and draw terrible pictures of possible ailments. The difficulty is that not every person is familiar with the structure of the neck in detail and has no idea what systems located inside this part of the body can fail and lead to pain.

Content:

1. Possible reasons
2. Dental causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the chin
3. How to understand that the problem is in the lymph nodes
4. Diagnostic measures
5. How are lymph nodes treated?
6. Preventive measures

If the lymph nodes are inflamed, it is important to undergo a comprehensive medical examination.
This condition can be accompanied by many diseases, both related to the field of dentistry and not related to it. Lymph nodes are peripheral organs of the lymphatic system. They perform the functions of a biological filter. Passing through their tissues, lymph enters different parts of the body and internal organs.

If the lymphoid structure has increased, it means there is an inflammatory process. It is necessary to find out as soon as possible what functional disorders it is associated with. This will allow you to create an effective treatment plan and prevent the development of severe complications.

Diagnostics

Therapists are involved in determining the cause of neck swelling. According to indications, patients are referred to otolaryngologists, endocrinologists, maxillofacial surgeons, and other specialists. The examination includes objective, instrumental, and laboratory techniques. The following diagnostic procedures are carried out:

• Questioning, general examination
  . A basic study that allows you to establish a preliminary diagnosis and draw up a plan for further examination. Involves studying symptoms, medical history, and assessing external changes.
• Sonography
  . Ultrasound of the neck is informative when studying the condition of organs and soft tissues, it allows you to identify tumors, areas of inflammation, determine the localization and boundaries of pathological processes. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland is prescribed if an endocrine cause of neck swelling is suspected. Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is recommended for lymphadenitis and cancerous tumors.
• Radiography
  . To exclude subluxations and vertebral fractures, X-rays of C1 or the cervical spine are prescribed. If there are symptoms of damage to the ENT organs, an x-ray of the larynx is performed.
• Other visualization techniques
  . CT and MRI of the neck are performed to detail the information obtained during sonography or radiography and make it possible to clarify the location, volume, and nature of the pathological process.
• Radioisotope scintigraphy.
  Effective in studying the thyroid gland, visualizes nodes, confirms the presence of diffuse changes.
• Endoscopic examination of the throat.
  Direct and indirect laryngoscopy, microlaryngoscopy, fibrolaryngoscopy are prescribed for lesions of the larynx. According to indications, a biopsy is performed during the study.
• Lab tests
  . Depending on the existing symptoms, general and biochemical blood tests, examination of the level of thyroid hormones and antibodies to them, microbiological analysis of swabs, punctures, blood samples, cytological or histological examination of a biopsy specimen can be performed.

Neck palpation

Possible reasons

The lymphatic system is the basis of immunity . It prevents the spread of pathological microorganisms and blocks the occurrence of many disease processes. In various diseases, lymphocytes begin to actively multiply to slow down inflammation. Then the lymph nodes enlarge.

If structures localized under the jaw and in the neck area “grow,” it is most likely an infection, that is, the disorder is caused by bacteria. But sometimes the condition occurs in the absence of infection.

Among the most common infectious causes:

• Colds, viruses. Their pathogens affect the ENT organs, and general intoxication is observed. In this scenario, sore throats, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, sinusitis, otitis media, etc. occur.
• Tuberculosis. With lymphadenitis, the entire neck swells. In advanced cases, lymphoid tissues located in the abdominal cavity and chest increase. The pathology is treated conservatively and surgically.
• Dental problems. Pulpitis, caries, periodontitis - all these are provoking diseases.
• Toxoplasmosis. People become infected with it from domestic animals (most often from cats). In addition to the growth of nodes, with this diagnosis the following are observed: high body temperature, headaches, an increase in the size of the spleen and liver. But very often the disease is asymptomatic.
• Venereal pathologies. Transmitted sexually. The body reacts very sharply to most of them, so already in the first days the patient notices that the lymph nodes have become enlarged and began to hurt, and severe weakness has appeared.
• Herpes. It manifests itself as an increase in the volume of lymphoid tissue in the neck, under the jaw and in the groin. Requires competent antiviral therapy.

Among the factors of a non-infectious nature that lead to the appearance of an unfavorable symptom:

• Oncology. It does not matter whether cancer of the lymphatic system or any internal organ is diagnosed. But in the first case, cancer cells quickly spread with the lymph flow, which contributes to the formation of metastases.
• Autoimmune pathologies. These are conditions in which the immune system begins to malfunction, causing serious damage to the body. This group includes systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, etc.
• Allergy. It manifests itself differently in all people. The most common symptoms are skin rashes and itching. But lymph can also be involved in the allergic process.
• Traumatic injuries to the head and face. If a strong pathological process occurs, lymphocytes begin to be actively produced.

Conservative treatment

Treatment of early stages of tumors and swelling in the neck area is carried out conservatively. But it is worth remembering that this method may not give a positive result.

Conservative treatment includes the following procedures:

• chemotherapy;
• radiation therapy;
• drug treatment;
• folk remedies.

When choosing an appropriate course of treatment, the medical history, as well as the risk factors outlined earlier, must be taken into account by the attending physician.

Drug treatment

Medicines are used as a treatment for certain types of tumors and swellings in the neck area. In the process of choosing them, the doctor takes into account the type of tumor, its nature and progression.

In the treatment of this disease, medications are used that help reduce the intensity of pain and reduce the size of the tumor.

Medicines are the first assistants in the fight against tumors

The following medications are used to treat early stages of a tumor or swelling in the neck:

• "Cetuximab";
• "Fluorouracil";
• "Bleomycin sulfate";
• "Amifostin";
• "Temoprofin";
• "Methotrexate."

It is worth noting, however, that some people may initially have a positive response when taking these medications, but over time the effect may cease to be effective. It can be concluded that the medicine can only serve as a temporary way to cure neck cancer and get rid of a tumor or swelling.

"Bleomycin"

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine is a method of treatment that is based on the use of decoctions, tinctures and other forms of herbal medicines.

Herbal medicines are an excellent assistant in the fight against neck tumors at an early stage of development. They help to “dissolve” tumors, reduce pain and discomfort.

Below are recipes for traditional medicines that can help treat this disease.

Recipe No. 1. Celandine compresses

What is needed:

• celandine – 2 pcs;
• gauze bandage – 1 pc.

How to prepare: take a gauze bandage and soak it in juice, decoction or tincture of celandine. Then it needs to be tightly applied to the neoplasm and secured with an adhesive plaster. In addition to celandine, it is allowed to use plants such as aloe vera, Kalanchoe or golden mustache. You can also simply apply a cut leaf from a plant to the tumor. Another option is to grind the plant with a meat grinder or blender to a pulp, which then needs to be placed on a bandage. This, in turn, is applied to the affected surface and also secured with an adhesive plaster. This type of compress is applied several times a day. Course – 3 weeks.

Recipe No. 2. Medicine from a mixture of onions and laundry soap

What is needed:

• large onion – 1 piece;
• laundry soap – 1 pc.

How to cook: first you need to leave the onion to bake in the oven for fifteen minutes. Then the onion is cooled and crushed to a paste using a meat grinder or blender. Meanwhile, the laundry soap needs to be grated on a fine grater. When both components are ready, they are added to the container in equal quantities and mixed thoroughly. The finished mixture is applied to the neoplasm. This procedure is carried out once a day for two to three weeks.

Folk remedies for the treatment of neck tumors are suitable for absolutely everyone

Recipe No. 3. Garlic medicine

What is needed:

• garlic – 2 cloves
• vegetable oil – 350 ml.

How to prepare: Garlic cloves are crushed and vegetable oil is added to them. The mixture is spread on the area of ​​skin located above the tumor. Thanks to the medicine prepared according to this recipe, the tumor will begin to rapidly decrease in size. The procedure is carried out daily for 2-3 weeks.

Recipe No. 4. Miracle beets

What is needed:

• beets – 1 pc.
• vegetable oil – 350 ml.

How to prepare: grate the beets on a fine grater. Bring to a paste, mix with vegetable oil and apply to the site of the tumor. You need to use this product 1-2 times a day for 1-2 weeks.

Recipes for folk remedies

Before treating a benign tumor at home, you should find out exactly its nature and make sure that the tumor does not become malignant.

Benign tumors can be successfully treated with folk remedies. But there is one condition - the size of the tumors should be no more than five centimeters. If the tumor is larger than indicated or it has become malignant, then urgent surgical intervention is required.

Important! The indicated dosage should be observed, since if folk remedies are used incorrectly, organs located in the neck area may suffer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a method of treating malignant tumors that uses all kinds of drugs against cancer.

If you want to learn in more detail how to treat a spinal cord tumor (cancer), as well as consider symptoms and alternative treatment methods, you can read an article about this on our portal.

This procedure is aimed at destroying cancer cells that are rapidly dividing. Unlike radiation therapy or surgery, which target specific areas, chemotherapy affects the entire body. But it greatly affects some healthy cells and organs, such as skin cells, hair cells, intestines and bone marrow. This influence is one of the side effects of treatment.

Chemotherapy helps get rid of cancer

In some cases, chemotherapy treatment destroys cancer cells completely. However, unfortunately, there is a high chance of relapse, so this method of treatment does not guarantee a cure for cancer.

There are some cases when therapy is not able to cure a disease, but only slow down its development and reduce pain.

Chemotherapy is rarely prescribed as the only method of treatment; more often it is used together with surgery (usually carried out after chemotherapy), radiation or biological therapy.

Radiation therapy

Physiotherapeutic devices

Radiation therapy is a procedure that uses penetrating radiation to shrink tumors and kill cells that cause cancer. This technique uses gamma radiation and x-rays.

There are two types of this procedure:

• external beam radiation therapy (rays come from a special medical device);
• close-focus radiation therapy, or brachytherapy (a radioactive substance is injected into the patient's body in a small amount). In this procedure, radioactive substances, such as radioactive iodine, are injected into the body and travel through the blood to contact and destroy cancer cells.

Radiation therapy is highly likely to destroy tumors

Approximately half of patients with neck cancer receive radiation therapy throughout their course of treatment.

How radiation therapy works: substances injected orally interact with cancer cells and damage their DNA.

Worth knowing! DNA is a macromolecule that ensures the storage and transfer of genetic information from generation to generation.

Either the direct injection of radioactive substances damages the DNA of cancer cells, or the charged particles created by the apparatus penetrate into the cells, which, again, leads to destabilization of the DNA.

Cancer cells with damaged DNA strands die and are then eliminated by the body.

However, there is a danger that this therapy also affects healthy cells, which negatively affects the patient's health.

When agreeing on the course in which this therapy will be included, specialists do not exclude possible damage that will be caused to healthy cells of the body and warn the patient about this. They know well how much radiation healthy tissue can accept without harm. This knowledge helps them decide where best to direct the radiation during treatment.

Dental causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the chin

Since very often in their work dentists are faced with huge lymph nodes in patients, let us dwell in more detail on the diseases that cause this symptom:

• Periodontitis. It can occur in acute or chronic form. Leads to tooth loosening and severe pain. If you do not receive qualified dental care in time, there will be a need to remove the affected unit.
• Stomatitis. Causes painful ulcers to appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth. It is the result of injuries, low immunity, vitamin deficiency. In advanced cases, the entire oral cavity becomes covered with wounds. Then active production of lymphocytes is observed.
• Pulpitis. Inflammatory lesion of pulp tissues. A very insidious disease. Through the pulp, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into the lymph nodes and other tissues. It is important to clean the canals and seal them as soon as possible.
• Advanced caries. Despite the fact that many people do not take caries seriously, it is a rather insidious infectious process. If the deep tissues of the tooth are damaged, the lymph nodes come to the aid of the body - they try to neutralize pathological agents by producing lymphocytes. This can be understood by their increased size.
• Periodontal disease. Causes hypertrophy of periodontal tissues, leading to local hypoxia. Periodontal disease does not cause pain, so most often the patient learns about it by chance during a medical examination for some other condition. With periodontal disease, the gums become lighter, the interdental papillae atrophy, and the dental necks become exposed. If treatment is not started in time, the teeth will begin to loosen and fall out.

• Periodontitis. A disease that develops due to metabolic disorders, neurosomatic abnormalities, poor oral hygiene, and deficiency of vitamins and minerals. It manifests itself as bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth.
• Gingivitis. Inflammatory reaction in the gums. Appears against the background of gastrointestinal pathologies, allergies, infections. The patient experiences bleeding gums even with minor mechanical stress. A burning sensation in the mouth bothers me. Ulcerative-necrotic areas may form.

These are not all dental conditions in which the lymph nodes under the chin become inflamed. In medical practice there are many more such diagnoses. This once again proves that the patient himself will not be able to understand why his submandibular area is swollen.

Elimination of pain in the muscles of the neck in front

Since this condition is classified as pathological, it requires the most prompt treatment possible. The best option is to consult a doctor, since this specialist has all the necessary knowledge regarding the fight against inflammatory and other diseases that occur in the cervical region. If you have neck pain in the front under your chin, call and make an appointment with the highly qualified, experienced doctors at the Energo Clinic. The telephone number for contact is indicated on the website in the “Contacts” section; registration is carried out on any day and time of day convenient for you.

Drug treatment

After collecting anamnesis, conducting an examination and finding out why your neck hurts in front under the chin, our neurologist

will write out the most detailed treatment plan for the disease and instruct what needs to be done to prevent the disease from worsening again. The most important point will be taking medications - painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs whose action is aimed at maintaining the optimal condition of the muscular frame and skeletal system.

Massage and physical therapy

Conducted strictly in the presence of a chiropractor

,
massage therapist
or doctor at a physical therapy room. The neck is a rather delicate organ; it should not be pressed, and often not heated intensely, as this can cause a deterioration in the condition. At the same time, a soft, relaxing massage will help relieve muscle tension and normalize blood flow.

Surgery

It is necessary in situations where the condition threatens the normal course of a person’s life. For example, if the thyroid gland is enlarged and there is no effect from medications, the affected organ is removed in a surgical hospital. After the operation, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the attending physician, undergo regular examinations by an endocrinologist, and take hormones.

ethnoscience

Effective for inflammatory diseases, but should only be used as an additional treatment measure. A proven folk remedy is a decoction of chamomile or calendula - it is used for colds and to relieve throat spasms. In situations where a person has pain in the neck under the chin as a result of thyroid pathologies, herbal medicine brings good results: certain medicinal plants contain components that have a positive effect on the state of the hormonal system.

How to understand that the problem is in the lymph nodes

Among the symptoms indicating damage to the lymph nodes:

• pain in the area where they are located;
• migraine;
• weakness;
• increased body temperature;
• discomfort under the chin;
• unpleasant pulsation in the lower jaw;
• difficulty chewing food;
• swelling noticeable to the naked eye.

If a purulent process develops, the skin in the area of ​​inflammation becomes red and becomes very hot to the touch. Additionally, symptoms characteristic of the disease that provoked the disorder may appear.

Stages of disease development and symptoms

Lymphadenitis in its development goes through 3 stages:

1. stage

   – the lymph nodes take on the appearance of mobile, compacted tubercles, when pressure is applied to them, pain appears, the temperature rises, sleep is disturbed, and general weakness is detected;

2. stage (purulent abscess)

   – the lymph node enlarges more and hurts even if you don’t touch it, which limits the motor activity of the jaw, pus accumulates in the lymph node, the skin around it becomes red, and the temperature is constantly elevated;

3. stage (purulent phlegmon)

   – the tumor spreads to the lymph nodes located in the armpits, the pain intensifies significantly, the skin turns blue, the temperature rises to 40⁰.

Diagnostic measures

Detecting the problem is very simple - the doctor just needs to feel the area under the chin and carefully examine it. To establish the exact cause of the disease, you need:

1. Take blood and urine tests. From them you can understand the nature of the “provocateur” (viral or bacterial).
2. Donate blood biochemistry.
3. Get an ultrasound of the lymph nodes.

If the doctor suspects oncology, the patient is referred for a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan or a puncture biopsy. These diagnostic measures allow you to make a correct diagnosis and select adequate treatment.

Prevention

A variety of preventive measures will help prevent the disease from exacerbating and returning. First of all, it is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Engage in moderate physical activity and avoid eating unhealthy foods in excess. If you periodically have pain in your neck under your chin, then do not forget to visit a doctor and consult with him before you feel another pain syndrome. Stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. Try not to abuse alcohol or take medications not directly prescribed by your doctor.

How are lymph nodes treated?

The treatment tactics chosen by the doctor directly depend on the characteristics of the clinical symptoms and the diagnosis. If it's all about a bacterial infection, you can't do without antibiotics. For viruses, antiviral drugs and immunostimulants are indicated. In the case of an autoimmune disorder, the focus is on reducing the activity of specific culprit markers. If cancer is confirmed, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunomodulators are necessary.

If the lymph nodes are enlarged due to a certain dental disease, its step-by-step treatment is carried out. Almost immediately after this, the problem of increased lymphocyte production disappears by itself.

It is extremely important that the patient does not warm the lymph node or apply any compresses unless the doctor has prescribed it. Such actions can aggravate the situation and lead to the development of health-threatening complications.

Treatment of neck tumors

After final clarification of all the nuances of the disease and rendering a verdict, the doctor prescribes the patient a suitable course of treatment, the length and intensity of which depends on two points:

• degree of tumor development;
• her appearance.

Most types of tumors are treated with surgery. Conservative treatment acts as a secondary method that can be combined with surgical intervention.

Treating tumors is a top priority

However, it is possible to get rid of some types of tumors without it, but this is only possible if the patient consults a doctor in time.

Preventive measures

No one is immune from the problem described. But there are ways to minimize the risk of its occurrence. Among them:

• receiving qualified medical care for any ailments;
• annual laboratory tests;
• timely treatment of emerging dental diseases;
• sanitation of the oral cavity every six months;
• following medical prescriptions.

Take care of your health, and the risk of enlarged lymph nodes will be minimized.

Why does my chin hurt?

Traumatic injuries

The most common traumatic cause of the symptom is bruise.
Occurs as a result of a fight or fall. It manifests itself as moderate, gradually subsiding local pain and swelling. The formation of hemorrhages or hematomas is possible. Opening the mouth is not difficult or slightly limited, all manifestations disappear after 1-2 weeks. Hematomas, as a rule, resolve on their own; autopsy is very rarely required. Median, mental and lateral fractures of the body of the lower jaw are the result of intense traumatic effects: a frontal impact, an accident, the fall of heavy objects on the face. The pain is very sharp, intense, and decreases slightly over time. Hematomas and bruises form on the skin. Hemorrhages appear on the mucosa; with an open fracture, bleeding develops. Swelling increases quickly. Stepping of the dentition, mobility and, often, tooth dislocations are observed.

Purulent processes

Due to the characteristics of the skin, the increased oiliness of this area of ​​the face, possible contamination and contact with mechanical irritants, the chin is a favorite location for superficial and deep pyoderma:

• Ostiofolliculitis.
  Occurs most often. Initially, an area of ​​redness and slight pain appear, which intensifies with pressure. The pain intensifies, a cone-shaped pustule with a yellow tip up to 0.5 cm in size is formed. Then a brownish crust forms on its own.
• Folliculitis.
  When inflammation spreads to the entire depth of the hair follicle, folliculitis develops. The symptoms are the same, but more pronounced than in the previous case. The pain at rest is insignificant, bursting, and when touched it is moderate. The pustule ruptures, leaving behind a small ulcer that heals to form a scar or area of ​​hyperpigmentation.
• Furuncle.
  The purulent infiltrate increases and turns into a cone-shaped purple node. The pain is initially dull, bursting, quickly intensifies, becoming jerking and throbbing. There is extensive swelling. A fluctuation zone is formed. After the pus drains and the rod is rejected, the pain quickly decreases.

Adenophlegmon of the chin is not pyoderma; it develops as a result of suppuration of the submental lymph nodes after dental operations (for example, tooth extraction), with regional lymphadenitis of various origins. The pathology is manifested by a progressive pain syndrome of a bursting, tugging nature. A dense swelling forms on the chin, quickly spreading to nearby areas. Palpation is sharply painful. Severe intoxication is noted.

Osteomyelitis in this anatomical zone is post-traumatic in nature, affecting the body of the lower jaw with open fractures, deep wounds with subsequent suppuration, and the spread of local purulent processes to solid structures. With good drainage, pain is moderate. They intensify with bone involvement and are accompanied by an increase in edema and hyperemia of the wound edges. In the absence of a path for the outflow of pus, the pain quickly becomes unbearable and is complemented by a pronounced intoxication syndrome.

Chin pain

Trigeminal neuralgia

Pain in the chin appears when the third branch of the trigeminal nerve is involved and spreads to the lower lip, lower jaw, gums, and oral mucosa. Painful paroxysms are short-term, but extremely intense, reminiscent of electrical discharges, occur one after another, forcing patients to freeze without moving. Provoking factors for neuralgia include shaving, talking, laughing, chewing, and exposure to cold.

Dental pathologies

Referred odontogenic pain in the chin is detected when 1 premolar, canine and incisors are affected. They are caused by the spread of impulses along the autonomic nerve fibers to the corresponding Zakharyin-Ged zone. They can be aching, drilling, pulling, shooting. Sometimes they develop in the absence of pain in the affected area. They are provoked by tooth extraction, surgical operations, and pulpitis.

Atypical facial pain

The chin is one of the possible localizations of atypical prosopalgia. The pain is deep, aching, dull, debilitating. Sometimes it is painful, but more often it is of medium intensity. Wavy, disturbing often or constantly, intensifies under the influence of external stimuli, and in many patients disappears at night. It is often combined with facial pain in other locations, migraines, and back pain.

Other reasons

Radiating pain in the chin can be disturbing with myositis of the cervical muscles. They appear after hypothermia, are localized along the front surface of the neck, from where they spread upward to the chin and downward to the shoulder girdle. They can be dull or shooting, intensifying with physical activity. In patients with stylohyoid syndrome, the pain is one-sided, dull, occurs under the jaw, radiates to the chin, TMJ, ear, and root of the tongue. When turning the head, the cough becomes stabbing and sharp. Progresses gradually. Complemented by dysphagia, sensation of a foreign body in the throat.