Pain in the neck is, well, a pain in the neck. Whether you live with pain due to an infection, growth, or muscle issue in your neck, the ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists at WMCHealth can help. Some neck conditions are serious, and early detection and appropriate care are vital for effectively managing neck-related issues.
Our highly trained and experienced ENT specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating neck conditions with the most advanced technology available.
Symptoms of Neck Conditions
- Lumps on the neck or near the collarbone
- Pain or swelling in the neck
- Coughing, fever, sore throat
- Imbalance or unsteadiness
- Changes or difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breathing
Types of Neck Conditions
WMCHealth has expertise in treating several neck conditions, including cysts, abscesses, infections, and congenital issues. Some of the most common conditions are:
- Branchial cleft cysts
- Deep neck abscesses
- Neck masses (including congenital neck masses)
- Salivary gland infections and disorders
- Swollen, enlarged, and infected lymph nodes
- Thyroglossal duct cysts
- Torticollis
- Tracheitis
Diagnosing Neck Conditions
Most neck conditions can be diagnosed with a comprehensive examination. During your visit, your doctor will perform a physical assessment and may run blood tests to determine if you have an infection. Diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scans may be ordered to determine the exact location of any cysts or growths.
Treatment for Neck Conditions
Some neck conditions will resolve on their own, while others may require medication or surgery. Our ENT specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating neck conditions. Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy: For conditions such as torticollis, physical therapy can loosen the affected neck muscles and support unrestricted neck movement.
- Incision and drainage: Many cysts and abscesses can be treated with an incision that allows the affected area to drain fluid.
- Medication: Abscesses and cysts can often become infected. When infection occurs, antibiotics can be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation and treat the infection.
- Excision: Excision involves making a small incision near the cyst and removing it.
- Parotidectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the salivary gland if it develops a tumor or repeated infection.
- Lymphadenectomy: The lymph nodes can be removed if they become swollen and infected.
- Endotracheal tube placement: Endotracheal tube placement, along with antibiotics, may be necessary to treat tracheitis if the inflammation impairs the ability to breathe.
Why Choose WMCHealth for Neck Conditions
Our ENTs are fellowship-trained in treating neck conditions, ensuring you receive the most advanced care. With several offices conveniently located near you, we can provide prompt assessments, accurate diagnoses, and comprehensive treatment plans. Our goal is to keep educating you every step of the way, empowering you to make healthcare decisions.