Your lymph nodes keep you healthy by fighting off sickness, bacteria and viruses that invade your body. You may notice pain in your lymph nodes if they become swollen. This usually occurs around your neck, chin, groin and armpits. This swelling usually comes from an infection, which can be a result of strenuous exercise.
Symptoms
Besides swelling and pain in your lymph nodes, you may notice other symptoms. These include cold symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or fever. You may also experience swollen limbs and night sweats.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If you consistently feel pain or swelling in your lymph nodes after working out, you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, which is characterized by a consistent state of exhaustion that does not go away with rest and has no other apparent causes. Other symptoms include achy muscles, sore throat, constant headaches, inability to concentrate, short-term memory loss and joint pain. Talk to your doctor if you experience four or more of these symptoms for at least six months.
Other Causes
The most common cause of lymph node pain is infection. Working out can result in infections because strenuous exercise temporarily weakens your immune system. Common infections that inflame lymph nodes include the common cold, measles, ear infections, strep throat, infected teeth, mono, skin infections and human immunodeficiency virus. Less common infections include tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, toxoplasmosis and cat scratch fever.
Prevention and Treatment
You can help prevent swollen lymph nodes by strengthening your immune system and fighting off infections. Get substantial fluids while exercising and plenty of rest. Also, wash your hands after using exercise equipment at the gym to rid yourself of germs passed by other people. The most common cure for a bacterial infection is medication, either antibiotics or over-the-counter medicines. Talk to your doctor if you experience consistent pain, as swollen lymph nodes can also be a sign of a serious condition, such as cancer or immune disorders.
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