What Do Painful Nodules In The Neck Indicate?

I ve had small bb size with a few larger, painful nodules in my neck for almost 6 mos. now. They have been painful and become more tender over time. I had an infection after sinus surgery in December, been on 3 rounds antibiotics, ENT cleared me and thought they would clear up as swollen lymphs, my MD says they don t feel swollen much for concern, had a CT scan with contrast which did not show abscess or reason for concern, but I am debilitated and resorted to ice and heat and laying in bed from pain. No pain med s. (they don t want to prescribe and I don t want: I want to know what I can do). Have also tried moving more, rebounding, walking, lymph massage, cleansing/lemon juice, etc. with no change or help. Have no ideas where to go from here, what it could be or what to do. Any sug uestions would be so appreciated.