What Causes Swelling, Pain And Stiffness In The Neck?

Posted on Fri, 19 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 19 May 2017 Answered on

Tue, 6 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a left sided stiff neck with pain for a few weeks. Now I notice some swelling.
I have used Tylenol and received some relief. Does this sound like osteoporosis?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
One sided neck swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Without being able to see what you are describing, it is hard for me to say, but osteoporosis does not typically cause swelling on one side of the neck. Depending on what part of the neck is affected, it may be swelling of a salivary gland, lymph node, thyroid gland, or connective tissue.

I recommend that you go in to see your doctor or to an urgent care clinic. If you go in to an urgent care clinic, demand to see a physician and not a physician's assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP).

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (25 minutes later)

The swelling is closer to my collarbone on the left side. It is a very slight swelling. Does that make a difference?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Some things are best seen and felt in person. While it may not be anything concerning, without being able to see it, I really can't say for sure what this might be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar