Most neck pain stems from muscle strain or poor posture, but infection is the culprit when you notice fever, swelling, or pain that worsens despite rest. The quickest diagnostic check: press gently on your lymph nodes (those small, bean-shaped glands along your jawline and neck). If they’re tender, enlarged, or you’re running a temperature above 100.4°F, an infection is likely at play.
Infections causing neck pain range from common throat infections and swollen lymph nodes to more serious conditions like meningitis or spinal …
