Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can indicate several different health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic anxiety, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, Lupus, allergies, eczema, and several other conditions. Many doctors will look for other health problems associated with lymph nodes, but most do not look at the lymph nodes themselves. The nodes themselves are just one of many areas of the human body that can be affected by various problems.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be caused by several different issues. First, lymph nodes begin to swell due to infection, inflammation, medication, stress, and even cancer and immune system disorder. Swollen nodes can be tender and painful, located anywhere in the body, and located at different parts of the body. Swollen nodes in neck do not always indicate a medical condition; sometimes the symptoms of a problem will make the nodes themselves feel tender.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can also indicate several different medical conditions. Fibromyalgia can cause swollen lymph nodes in neck, as can rheumatoid arthritis and a variety of other conditions. Other symptoms of swelling include fever, swollen legs, muscle aches, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may also be accompanied by changes in temperature, skin color, increased sweating, weight gain or loss, and frequent urination. Many times the nodes themselves will not feel anything at all.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be very uncomfortable to experience. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can make it difficult to breath, eat, sleep, or even move. One way to relieve swollen lymph nodes in neck is to drink plenty of fluids.
If you have been diagnosed with any of the conditions above, or have had symptoms of swelling in your lymph nodes for any length of time, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor can do a variety of tests to determine the cause. Your doctor may be able to order a blood test to detect antibodies to help diagnose what may be causing the swelling in your lymph nodes. Your doctor may also be able to take some of your fluid and test it against the results of a lab test to determine if the fluid is a possible cause for your symptoms.
Many doctors will recommend natural remedies in treating the various conditions. These remedies include vitamin supplements, herbal remedies, and even hot or cold compresses. In cases of chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia, the treatment might be as simple as taking in Vitamin B complex.
Some people find that hot compresses on the neck and head to provide relief from the pain and/or swelling
Cold compresses can sometimes ease the pain and the swelling, while hot baths or Epsom salts can help clear the airways, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
In severe cases of swollen lymph nodes in neck, your doctor may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to remove the lymph nodes. In cases of multiple sclerosis, steroids may be prescribed, but this depends on the severity of your case and what the doctor determines to be the cause. In some cases, your doctor may suggest you need surgery if other alternatives have not provided enough relief.
Many things can affect the immune system, including aging and illness, so treatment is usually aimed at fighting the cause, rather than just treating the symptoms. You should discuss your symptoms with your doctor and ask questions to help them determine the possible underlying causes.
Because swollen lymph nodes in the neck can interfere with daily functions, treatment will involve reducing and/or eliminating the symptoms that are causing the problem. Natural herbal treatments will help in reducing inflammation and the effects of these natural herbs can help prevent further swelling.
With all the many treatments out there, the immune system can get stronger as you grow older, so treatments are not as harsh and will not cause long term damage. Even natural remedies have been proven to help improve the immune system and help you fight off many conditions.