Neck Pain in the Front

About the Symptom

Anterior neck pain is referring to pain or discomfort felt in the area between the chin and collar bones.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Dysphagia
• Chest pain during swallowing
• Fever

Possible Causes

Generally, Neck pain in the front can be related to:

• Subacute Thyroiditis

  Inflammation of the thyroid gland which causes high levels of thyroid hormone in the body. It usually occurs after a viral infection. It presents as pain in the neck because of the swollen and inflamed thyroid gland. Can also have difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, fatigue and fever. It can also go on to cause symptoms of high thyroid hormone such as weight loss, increased bowel movements, palpitations, sweating.

• Pharyngoconjunctival Fever

  This viral infection causes sore throat, red eyes, and fever. Some patients may have enlarged neck glands (lymph nodes). Patients usually recover without treatment.

• Acute Tonsillitis / Pharyngitis

  Infection of the tonsils and pharynx (back of the mouth), either by viruses or bacteria.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you feel pain when the front of your neck is pressed?
• How long have you had pain when pressing the front of your neck?
• How has the pain in the front of your neck changed since it started?
• Have you had pain when pressing the front of your neck before?

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