What typically causes lymph node pain and tenderness?

Lymph node pain and tenderness are typically indicative of inflammation or infection. When the body is fighting off pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, the lymphatic system becomes active. This activity includes the proliferation of lymphocytes, which are immune cells that help combat infections. As the lymph nodes produce more immune cells, they can become swollen, and this inflammation leads to pain and tenderness.

In contrast, neoplasms, which can also affect lymph nodes, might not always present with tenderness; in fact, they can be painless at times. Chronic illnesses and vascular diseases may involve lymph nodes but do not primarily cause acute tenderness and pain as seen with infections. The response of the lymph nodes to inflammation is a critical component of the body’s defense mechanism, thus making inflammation or infection the most common cause of lymph node pain and tenderness.