What do I have if it's not my salivary gland?

Hi @deniseyoungblood. Having chronic pain and occasional swelling in your neck can be concerning. It’s not always easy pinpoint the cause. From what you’ve mentioned, your dentist has checked to make sure you’re not experiencing any blockages in a salivary gland.
Have you had any labs or blood tests such as a CBC (complete blood count with differential)? This can be a good, basic test by your primary doctor to check the various components of your blood such as, checking for elevated white blood counts which could indicate an infection of some sort, or involvement with lymph glands. Do you have an elevated temperature when you have the swelling? Is the pain you’re experiencing only when you have the swelling?

Did he check to make sure your gland was not plugged? I once saw a doctor unplug one. Whatever had it plugged shot right out. Just a thought. 🤔

@loribmt

Good post.

@deniseyoungblood may also want to book and appointment with an ENT; it may take months to get in?

@slarson14
Thank you for your reply. I have been to the ENT. He was not very thorough or helpful. I will call and ask for a CBC possibly or a scan. No I don't always have the swelling when I have the pain.

@nannybb
Thank you! My dentist doesn't think its my gland.

@loribmt
No I don't seem to have an elevated temp.

@deniseyoungblood This may take some sleuthing. Frustrating, I know. But unfortunately we don’t come with a ‘how-to manual’ for troubleshooting. 😉
If you don’t mind, I’m going to ask more questions… where is the pain located. Is it just on one side? Is it noticeable all the time or just when you turn your head a certain way such as towards the painful side. Is the discomfort more pronounced if you turn your head towards the painful side?

When you notice the swelling, where is it? Is it always near the painful area of your neck? Is it located near a lymph gland? You can find lymph gland/node charts online which could help you pinpoint the location.
Do you have other lymph nodes that are swollen?

@deniseyoungblood Did he tell you what to do next? Did he take an X-ray of the area? I know they have new procedures using X-rays that are not just for your teeth, but that also look at your neck area. A friend had it done by his dentist.

@deniseyoungblood Just wondering, how long has this been going on?

@nannybb
This has been going on for several months. This summer it hurt several times. Enough pain for me to take Ibuprofen. My dentist had done a panoramic a several months ago but didn't notice anything. He said my lymph nodes feel tender and swollen. He ruled out dental problems.