Pain in the Front of the Neck – Causes and When to Call for Help

Pain in the Front of the Neck phone when to call for helpThe majority of neck pain is caused by muscle strain and is typically resolved without medical intervention within a few days. However, pain in the front of the neck that persists, or which is severe and acute, can be a sign of a serious health issue that warrants medical attention.

Neck Pain and Heart Attack

In some cases, pain in the front of the neck may be a sign of a heart attack, especially if the pain is accompanied by jaw pain, shoulder pain, or pain int eh back or arm. Some people, especially women, feel a sense of discomfort rather than outright pain, which can make it less likely that women experiencing a heart attack receive prompt and adequate medical assistance.


Neck pain resulting from a heart attack may feel more like an increase in pressure in the neck, a sense of cramping, or even a squeezing sensation, often also felt in the chest itself. A heart attack may produce pain in the neck without any chest pain, and anyone experiencing such phenomenon should seek immediate medical help.

Causes of Neck Pain – Infections and Inflammation

Other causes of pain in the front of the neck are typically to do with the organs and structures located in this area of the body. These include the thyroid gland, larynx, pharynx, vocal cords, and the lymph nodes in the neck. As such, viral infections causing inflammation of these structures (pharyngitis, laryngitis, or even tonsilitis) can result in a sore throat and pain, along with symptoms of a cold. Strep throat and mononucleosis (mono) can also be a cause of pain in the front of the neck.

Some cases of neck pain may be caused by a systemic infection that happens to lead to inflamed lymph nodes in the neck. Mumps is a condition caused by a contagious viral disease that leads the salivary glands to become inflamed, creating a distinctive and painful swelling of the cheeks or jaw line.

In rare cases, epiglottitis may occur; a serious and life-threatening condition where the flap of tissue that covers the airway (to prevent us breathing in food or liquids) becomes inflamed, actually blocking air from getting to the lungs. Anyone with difficulty breathing should consult a medical professional immediately for assessment and assistance.

Acid Reflux and Neck Pain

Pain in the front of the neck may also be a result of heartburn (acid reflux) and hiatus hernia, as acid is forced up into the oesophagus where it causes burning and irritation of the tissues. When this becomes a chronic problem, it can predispose a person to cellular changes in the throat that are linked to oesophageal cancer.

Thyroid cancer is another potential cause of pain in the neck, with the pain typically accompanied by a cough, hoarseness or other change in vocal tone, as well as the feeling of having a lump in the throat. Thyroid enlargement that isn’t cancerous (i.e. goitre) is also a potential cause of anterior neck pain.

anatomy of the neck pain in front

More Causes of Anterior Neck Pain

Specific neck conditions that can lead to pain in the front of the neck include torticollis, an issue where the muscles in the neck spasm and cause stiffness and pain and often an abnormal posture, such as tilting of the head to one side. Cervical spinal stenosis may also trigger neck pain, and can be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc herniation, acute spinal trauma (such as whiplash), ankylosing spondylitis, spondylolisthesis, and other conditions affecting the structures of the cervical spine.

Illnesses like meningitis, fibromyalgia, and shingles (herpes zoster) can also lead to pain in the front of the neck, as can throat cancer, Scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrome, and even Bird Flu, West Nile virus and Cat Scratch disease.

Allergens and Neck Pain

For some people, allergies, smoke exposure, and acute sinus inflammation can cause neck pain, either through the inflammation itself or through repeated neck trauma from sneezing and/or coughing. These may be associated with chest tightness and breathing difficulties, making them hard to distinguish from a heart attack or other acute illness.

Broken Bones and Other Neck Pain Triggers

Although it is unlikely for someone to break their collarbone without realising, this injury may also be a cause of pain in the front of the neck. Osteomyelitis (bone infection), and bone cancer can also lead to such pain.

Other causes of anterior neck pain include swallowing of a foreign object, nodules on the thyroid gland, vocal cords, or elsewhere in the neck, tick bites or insect bites, osteoporosis, aortic dissection, and simply sleeping or sitting next to an open window or air conditioning unit for too long.


When to Seek Help for Neck Pain

Immediate medical assistance (calling 911) should be sought by anyone experiencing pain in the front of the neck accompanied by:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or passing out
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Fever, cold sweats, or very pale skin
  • Malaise, fatigue, or feelings of panic, fear, unease or doom
  • Changes in vision
  • Chest pain, pressure, tightness or discomfort
  • Pain moving or spreading from the neck to the shoulders, arms, back, teeth or jaw.
  • Those whose pain the front of the neck is sudden, severe, or a result of an accident like a fall or whiplash should also seek medical help.

3133 replies
  1. qq188
    qq188 says:

    I haven’t checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are really good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend. insurance guidesqq8821

    Reply
  2. www.goodstuffpettruck.com
    www.goodstuffpettruck.com says:

    Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening
    in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great
    blog!

    Reply
  3. flowerbath.com
    flowerbath.com says:

    I really love your website.. Very nice colors & theme.
    Did you make this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own website and would love to learn where you got this
    from or what the theme is named. Many thanks!

    Reply
  4. special
    special says:

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual
    appearance. I must say you have done a superb job with this.
    In addition, the blog loads super fast for me on Chrome.
    Superb Blog!

    Also visit my homepage … special

    Reply
  5. coupon
    coupon says:

    I think this is among the most vital info for me.

    And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few
    general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D.
    Good job, cheers

    My web blog: coupon

    Reply
  6. tymmege
    tymmege says:

    doxycycline mrsa In addition, the betel nut, a widely used drug chewed by millions of people in Southeast Asia, contains arecoline a direct muscarinic agonist which can cause betel nut drooling, whilst both citric acid and red pepper can stimulate saliva flow Table 5 13.

    Reply
  7. Federico Billus
    Federico Billus says:

    After study a couple of of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and might be checking back soon. Pls check out my website online as effectively and let me know what you think.

    Reply
  8. หน้าหมอง
    หน้าหมอง says:

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. many thanks

    Reply
  9. สล็อตออนไลน์
    สล็อตออนไลน์ says:

    Can I simply say what a reduction to seek out someone who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know the way to convey an issue to light and make it important. Extra folks need to learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more standard because you undoubtedly have the gift.

    Reply
  10. Dedetizadora São Paulo
    Dedetizadora São Paulo says:

    What i do not understood is in truth how you’re no longer actually a lot more well-liked than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly in relation to this matter, produced me in my view believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved unless it¦s something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always take care of it up!

    Reply
  11. best gynecologist in kolkatagynecologist doctor in kolkata
    best gynecologist in kolkatagynecologist doctor in kolkata says:

    I simply wished to thank you very much once again. I am not sure the things I would’ve followed in the absence of the tips revealed by you concerning this topic. Previously it was a very frightening case in my position, but understanding your specialised style you managed it took me to jump with contentment. I am just grateful for this work and in addition pray you comprehend what a great job you happen to be providing educating many others via your websites. I am sure you haven’t met any of us.

    Reply
  12. quantecmed
    quantecmed says:

    You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I to find this matter to be really something which I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very broad for me. I am looking ahead in your subsequent publish, I will try to get the grasp of it!

    Reply
  13. modulo dcr
    modulo dcr says:

    Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

    Reply
  14. slot gacor hari ini
    slot gacor hari ini says:

    You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be really something that I believe I’d never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely huge for me. I am looking ahead in your subsequent put up, I¦ll attempt to get the grasp of it!

    Reply
  15. הפקדה 7xl
    הפקדה 7xl says:

    Thank you for another wonderful article. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

    Reply
  16. wisuda pernikahan duka cita wisuda hitanan pelantikan soft opening reopening peresmian
    wisuda pernikahan duka cita wisuda hitanan pelantikan soft opening reopening peresmian says:

    I?¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i?¦m satisfied to exhibit that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot surely will make sure to do not fail to remember this web site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.

    Reply
  17. lift detox caps
    lift detox caps says:

    Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is actually frustrating. A good site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

    Reply
  18. Agência de marketing digital em porto seguro
    Agência de marketing digital em porto seguro says:

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

    Reply
  19. slot online
    slot online says:

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your site. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Many thanks!

    Reply
  20. jasa sosmed
    jasa sosmed says:

    Heya are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

    Reply
  21. çok fena öpüşme sikişme
    çok fena öpüşme sikişme says:

    Rus Kızı Vera İlk Deneyimi Yaşarken. erotiksinema 3 ay ago.

    181.19K Views 0 Comments 0 Likes. Rus kızı erotik filmi izle.
    Vera baskıcı ailesi ile küçük bir evde yaşamakta, ailesi ile
    yaşamaktan nefret etmektedir. 18 Yaşında Rus kızın erkek arkadaşı bir gün onu evine davet eder ve Vera ile ilk kez seks
    denem.

    Reply
  22. flyyezcambios 性别
    flyyezcambios 性别 says:

    Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  23. Fungame777
    Fungame777 says:

    Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks

    Reply
  24. poker online
    poker online says:

    We’re a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful information to paintings on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole group will likely be grateful to you.

    Reply
  25. effelfged
    effelfged says:

    Epidemiological and preclinical studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of aspirin acetyl salicylate, a classical anti inflammatory drug, in patients with cancer lasix dosage Li Y, Wong K, Giles A, Jiang J, Lee JW, Adams AC, Kharitonenkov A, Yang Q, Gao B, Guarente L, Zang M

    Reply
  26. situs judi poker online
    situs judi poker online says:

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!

    Reply
  27. gigaprices.myshopify.com
    gigaprices.myshopify.com says:

    Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you Nevertheless I am experiencing situation with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting an identical rss drawback? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply
  28. organny
    organny says:

    can you buy cialis online The drug, under the name formestane, was heralded as a way to help postmenopausal women those most susceptible to the disease and whose tumors are most likely to have to higher estrogen receptor levels have a better quality of life, in some circumstances allowing chemo to be delayed

    Reply
  29. kbc lottery number check
    kbc lottery number check says:

    I’m impressed, I have to say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you have got hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the difficulty is one thing that not sufficient persons are talking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled throughout this in my search for one thing relating to this.

    Reply
  30. hire a facebook hacker
    hire a facebook hacker says:

    I have been surfing online greater than three hours today, yet I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s beautiful price sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet shall be a lot more useful than ever before. “Oh, that way madness lies let me shun that.” by William Shakespeare.

    Reply