![swollen lymph nodes on back of neck swollen lymph nodes on back of neck](https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/swollen-lymph-node-dr-p-marazziscience-photo-library.jpg)
Usually, keeping your immune system healthy is the best way to prevent infections and avoid having swelling in your lymph nodes. Some viral infections like mononucleosis or immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis can cause your lymph nodes throughout your body to swell. If you have a respiratory infection, bacterial infection, or viral infection, you may also have a runny nose, fever, and sore throat. Sometimes, a serious infection could cause the nodes to swell even larger. These symptoms of swollen glands can help doctors identify the cause of the lumps at the back of your neck, in your armpits, or groin.ĭoctors from the Mayo Clinic say that the first sign of swollen lymph nodes is tenderness and pain in the small pea-sized lump. Usually, swollen occipital lymph nodes will be accompanied by other symptoms. Symptoms of Swollen Occipital Lymph Nodes Therefore, a lump on the back of your neck just below your skull could be a symptom that your occipital lymph nodes are swollen because of an infection affecting your head. In fact, they may swell so much that a lump develops. 3 Depending on the cause of infection or which area of your body is affected, lymph nodes can swell enough to be felt with your fingers. Wesley Norman from Georgetown Medical Center says that lymph nodes will swell if there is an infection in that area. This happens because your lymph nodes are working hard to get rid of the “bad” cells. If you have an infection, injury, or serious disease, fluid builds up in some of your lymph nodes causing them to swell. All lymph nodes also contain white blood cells that fight off infection.Īccording to the American Cancer Society, fluid from your head, scalp, and face flow through the lymph nodes at the back and side of your neck. The small bean-like nodes of your lymphatic system filter out impurities and harmful substances from your body. Function of the Occipital Lymph NodesĪs with all lymph glands in your body, the function of your occipital lymph nodes is to keep your immune system healthy. Usually, you won’t be able to feel the occipital lymph nodes unless they are swollen for some reason. In fact, if you think of an imaginary line going just between the base of your ears along the back of your head, your occipital lymph nodes will be in the middle.
![swollen lymph nodes on back of neck swollen lymph nodes on back of neck](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/49/a3/fb/49a3fb74a8ba03d1d24006063c8a7a2f.jpg)
You can find the approximate location of the occipital lymph nodes if you put your hand just at the nape of your neck. These are located near the occipital bone which is found behind your skull. Benoit Gosselin, you have 3-5 occipital lymph nodes or glands at the base of your skull. Your body contains up to 700 lymph nodes and the most common area for them are in your armpits, neck, and groin. Where the Occipital Lymph Nodes are Located Because occipital lymph nodes can swell if you have a serious disease like cancer, you will also find out when you should see a doctor. In this article, you will learn about the various causes of swollen occipital lymph nodes. That is why in certain circumstances, a doctor will feel the back of your head to check if occipital lymph nodes are larger than they should be. The location of swollen lymph nodes can usually give doctors an indication as to what kind of infection you have. You can usually feel swollen lymph nodes, and they may even be visible if you are fighting off an infection. However, infections or disease can cause lymphatic fluid to build up in the nodes causing them to swell to a much larger size. Lymph nodes, including your occipital lymph nodes, are usually about the size of a small pea or bean and in normal circumstances, can’t be felt.