6 Common Causes of Front Neck Pain

Front neck pain caused by a sore throat or muscle cramps. In rare cases, it may indicate a heart attack or cancer. An accident or injury may cause front neck pain.

6 Common Causes of Front Neck Pain

A sore throat or enlarged lymph nodes may result in anterior cervical pain on one or both sides. The neck links the head to the torso. The anterior neck extends from the mandible to the superior thorax. Many conditions can cause frontal neck pain, most causes are minor and unimportant. Front neck pain caused by a sore throat or muscle cramps. In rare cases, it may indicate a heart attack or cancer. An accident or injury may cause front neck pain.

Causes of Frontal Neck Pain

Neck pain causes vary in severity. Note your other symptoms to diagnose.

Sore Throat

Sore throats cause front neck pain. Usually a minor condition like:

  • A common cold or flu

  • Laryngitis, tonsillitis, and strep throat

  • You may experience a sore throat due to dry air or allergies.

  • Air pollution

Sore throat symptoms vary by cause. Moreover, it may induce irritation and discomfort in the anterior region of the neck.

  • Dysfunctional Swallowing

  • Pain when swallowing or talking

  • Swollen tonsils

  • White patches on tonsils and a hoarse voice.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Common causes include swollen lymph nodes. Small, oval lymph nodes contain immune cells. They filter out bacteria and viruses to keep you healthy. Lymph nodes are everywhere, including the neck. Lymph node immune cells multiply to fight germs when you're sick. This can cause neck lymph node swelling and pain.

Lymph node swelling can result from:

  • Common colds or flu.

  • Sinusitis

  • Mononucleosis—upper respiratory infections

  • Strep throat and skin infections

  • Cancer (rare)

Front neck pain and swollen lymph nodes can cause:

  • Ear pain

  • Runny nose tenderness

  • Soreness

  • Fever

  • Sore throat

Neck Cramps

Sudden neck muscle tightening is called a cramp. Also called neck spasms.

An unexpected neck muscle contraction can hurt the front of your neck. Possible muscle cramp causes:

  • Overexertion

  • Dehydration

  • Extreme heat and temperature changes

  • Awkward sleeping position

  • Emotional strain

Other neck cramp symptoms:

  • Stiffness

  • Weakness

  • Pain in shoulders and headache

Muscle Strain

Muscle strains result from fiber stretching or tearing. Sometimes called a pulled muscle.

Overuse causes neck muscle strains. Possible causes include:

  • Bending over a smartphone

  • Prolonged eye gaze

  • Sleeping in an awkward position

  • Bedtime reading

  • Straining a lateral neck muscle may result in anterior neck pain.

  • Shoulder pain and headache

  • Soreness

  • Trouble moving your head

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when your head moves forward, backward, or sideways. The sudden movement can damage neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A head injury can result from a motor vehicle collision, fall, or slip. You may experience neck pain, including in the front. Other symptoms:

  • Trouble moving your head

  • Stiffness

  • Tenderness

  • Headache

  • Accident victims should see a doctor immediately.

Heart Attack

Heart attacks cause front neck pain less often. The front of your neck can feel heart pain. Heart attacks can start suddenly or slowly. Even mild symptoms require emergency assistance.

How do you Treat Sore Muscles in the Front Neck?

You can relieve your neck pain with at-home and clinical treatments. Treatments may include:

  • Stretching: Gentle stretching can treat most non-serious neck pain. Flexing your neck gently forward and backward or side to side can relieve front neck pain and soreness. Before starting neck exercises, consult your doctor or physical therapist.

  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapists treat musculoskeletal muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissue. They can diagnose neck issues and help you treat sore front neck muscles thanks to this training. A physical therapist may suggest some therapies:

  • Manual Therapy: A physical therapist manipulates joints and soft tissue with their hands. Manual therapy, when combined with other therapies, reduces front neck pain faster, according to research.

  • Therapeutic Exercises: Your physical therapist may recommend therapeutic exercises. These exercises correct impairments and restore muscle and skeletal function.

  • Dry Needling: Dry needling relieves muscle tension in trigger points and tight bands by inserting tiny needles into the skin. This can alleviate discomfort and enhance muscular function.

When to Consult a Doctor 

People with severe, persistent, or recurring neck tightness should see a neck pain doctor in Fort Worth. Acute neck tightness may indicate anaphylaxis. Emergency services should be called for anaphylaxis symptoms. 

Summary

Allergies, inflammation, and infection can cause front neck pain. It may also result from heartburn or GERD. Neck tightness may resolve without medical intervention. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsen over time, people should see a doctor of premier pain and spine. Doctors may test neck tightness to determine the cause. These may include blood, medical imaging, or nerve function tests. The doctor will treat it based on test results.

What's Your Reaction?

like

dislike

love

funny

angry

sad

wow