What Causes Pain And Discomfort On The Side Of Neck?

for the past 2 days, I have have been experiencing some pain and discomfort on the side of my neck/throat. the area is close right under my jaw line on the right side. although it really doesn't hurt to swallow, when I lean or turn my head to the left, it feels like something inside my throat vs. the outter of a muscle is pulling. the only relief is to take pain pills. what could this be since it happened suddenly and how concerned should I be. I currently do not have medical issurance do to employment change.