How painful are swollen lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes can cause varying degrees of pain, ranging from mild discomfort to intense pain. The level of pain typically depends on the cause and severity of the swelling. Mild swelling may cause only slight tenderness, while more significant swelling can result in severe pain.

For example, swollen lymph nodes due to a viral infection like the common cold may cause mild discomfort or soreness. On the other hand, swollen lymph nodes due to a bacterial infection, such as strep throat or a skin infection, can be excruciatingly painful. The pain associated with swollen lymph nodes can be felt in the affected area or may radiate to other parts of the body.