What Causes Throat Pain?

my throat has been hurting for 2 months. I have been cleared for strep. It feels like it may be peeling, with a picky feeling inside. The outside is itchy and my throat and neck hurt. I have tmj issues, arthritis in the joints. I feel in may be my lymph node or gland. I have antibiotic that were prescribe to me in the case that it may be strep. should I take it? What could this be?