Potential causes of a sore throat and neck pain include infections, injury, the flu, and allergies. Depending on the cause, a person may have additional symptoms.
The neck contains several structures, including nerves, lymph nodes, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and more. Medical conditions and injuries that affect one or more of these structures can cause neck pain, a sore throat, and other symptoms.
Treatment may vary depending on the cause of the pain but may include pain-relieving medications, gargling salt water, and staying hydrated.
The muscles, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels of the neck overlap one another and surround the esophagus, the tube that runs from the back of the mouth to the stomach.
The throat is a hollow, muscular tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of a person’s windpipe and esophagus. Air, food, and liquid pass through the throat when a person breathes, eats, or drinks.
The throat also contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. In addition, it includes the tonsils and epiglottis.
A condition that affects one of these structures may affect one or more of the others. For example, viral and bacterial infections that begin in the throat can lead to painful inflammation of the surrounding neck muscles.
Infections also trigger the lymphatic system, which contains white blood cells that kill invading microbes. This system also collects toxins and other waste material from the body.
The lymph nodes filter and collect this waste, which is why people who are sick may develop swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes can feel tender and also make the neck feel sore or stiff.
Below are some potential conditions that can cause neck pain and a sore throat:
Cold and flu
The common cold and the flu are two
People who have a common cold may also experience:
- sneezing and a stuffy nose
- coughing
- chest discomfort
These symptoms can also occur in people who have the flu. However, flu symptoms are
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are oval-shaped mounds of soft tissue in the back of the throat.
Both viral and bacterial infections can cause tonsillitis. Symptoms may include fever, a sore throat, and swelling of the tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck.
Strep throat
Strep throat, also known as pharyngitis,
- sudden onset of a sore throat
- painful swallowing
- red, swollen tonsils
- white spots, patches, or streaks of pus on the surface of the throat
- red spots on the roof of the mouth
- swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- fever
- headaches
- body aches
- fatigue
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is a viral infection that is
Symptoms include:
- a sore throat
- a fever
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- fatigue
- headaches
- body aches
- muscle weakness
- skin rash
- swollen spleen or liver
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is the
Although many people with gonorrhea do not have symptoms, it can cause white, yellow, or green penile discharge and increased vaginal discharge.
Gonorrheal infections of the throat can lead to:
- a sore throat
- swelling of the throat
- swollen lymph nodes
- difficulty swallowing
- flu-like symptoms, such as fever, a headache, and chills
Oral gonorrheal infections can cause nonspecific symptoms that mimic those of other, more common throat infections. People who may have had exposure to gonorrhea can contact a healthcare professional for testing.
Allergies
Airborne and food allergies can cause swelling and irritation of the throat.
People with airborne allergies, such as hay fever, may have an itchy or sore throat when they come into contact with pollen, dust, animal dander, or mold. Other symptoms of airborne allergies include:
- a runny or stuffy nose
- itchy, watery eyes
- coughing
- sneezing
- fatigue
Some people have food-related allergies, which can cause a sore, itchy throat, as well as:
- itching or tingling of the mouth
- swelling of the mouth and lips
- hives
- nasal congestion
- sneezing
- wheezing
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness
Allergy symptoms
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when food, fluids, or acids travel back up from the stomach into the throat.
The
- difficulty swallowing
- the feeling of a lump in the throat
- a burning sensation
- hoarseness
- a dry cough
Anyone with these symptoms should speak to a doctor who may prescribe medication. However, many people can treat or manage GERD with lifestyle and dietary changes.
Tumors
A persistent sore throat is a
- pain when swallowing
- a lump or sore that is slow to heal
- a chronic sinus infection
- frequent headaches
- swelling near the jaw
- pain or numbness in the facial muscles
Most people with a sore throat or neck do not have cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates
In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were up to
Head and neck cancers cause symptoms that can also occur in other, less severe conditions. However, it is essential that people discuss their symptoms with a doctor.
People may wish to consider the following treatments if they have a mild sore throat and neck pain:
- drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- gargling warm water with salt
- drinking warm tea with honey
- eating soft foods, such as soups
- using over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications
- applying a warm compress to the affected area to ease muscle pain
- using a cold compress or an ice pack to reduce swelling
- stretching the neck and shoulders to relieve muscle tension
Although cold or flu symptoms usually clear up without medical treatment, home remedies may have minimal effects on the symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. In this case, a doctor will likely prescribe a round of antibiotics.
If someone has a sore throat and neck pain that do not get better with home treatment, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor for more treatment advice.
People should see their doctor if they experience a severe or persistent sore throat that does not respond to home treatment.
The above conditions are not the only things that can cause a sore throat and neck pain. Only a doctor can diagnose a specific person’s underlying cause.
People should also seek medical care if they experience severe neck pain that does not go away or spreads to other body parts.
They should inform their doctor if they have:
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- a high fever
- a palpable lump in the neck
- sudden, severe headaches
- numbness in the limbs, face, or mouth
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Sore throat and neck pain can both result from mild illnesses, such as a cold, the flu, or strep throat. In many cases, the symptoms should resolve within a few days to a week.
Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and drinking warm liquids can help relieve a sore throat. People can treat neck pain with OTC pain relievers, warm or cold compresses, and neck stretches.
Anyone with severe or persistent symptoms may wish to speak with their doctor. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatment options.