I have had very swollen occipital (on left side) and retroauricular (on right side) nodes for about a week. They are very painful and seem to grow. For about a month prior to this my left and right (one side at a time) sternoclidomastoid was swollen and painful.
Steroids and NSAIDs may help with pain. However, before managing symptoms, understanding what is causing your problem is mandatory. I suggest to you to undergo tests as blood exams (blood count, lactic Delhi Chat Doctor.  Check for possible causes:infections (also in tissues surrounding your teeth) and neck masses