Suggest Medication For Pain In Right Neck Close To Carotid Artery

CAROTIDYNIA... I believe that I may have this and am wondering if it is something I NEED to see the Dr. about or if it is something I just need to take pain meds for? I have pain in my right neck where the carotid artery runs and it is very, very tender. It goes up the jaw line a bit and into the ear. My ear seems to be popping quite a bit as well. I have had this occur before, but it normally goes away within a day, only this time it has been hurting off and on daily for about 3 days now. It hurts to move my head a certain way, to laugh and swallow at times. Thank you