Painful lump on neck - the result of lifting?

Within the last week I have developed a painful, reddish lump on the back of my neck, very slightly to the right of the second vertebrae.  It is right in the line of a normal T-shirt collar, so it is continually irritating me.  It is not particularly noticeable, unless one is looking for it, but as I said, seems somewhat inflamed.  It is very hard, not like a pimple, pea-sized, and quite painful to the touch.  It seems to be under the skin.  If I squeeze it, the pea-sized lump turns white.  There is a tiny black dot in the center of the lump, most noticeable when I squeeze the lump and it turns white.  

While I can't be certain of any causal relationship, the development of the lump started almost immediately after a particularly extended period of barbell squats in the gym.  I got tired and rested the bar (inappropriately) on my neck instead of the top of the traps.  It was painful at the time, but easier, so I persisted.  The bar was resting almost precisely where the lump currently resides.  

The lump is continually causing me pain.  Any help or insight someone can give on this issue would be greatly appreciated.  If it would help, I can provide a picture.    

Thanks!

[mooksmom]

Without being able to SEE or Touch the lesion you describe, there's no way to even guess what it is. I will say that I don't feel it is from your lifting of weights. Have your family MD check it out.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

This kind of bump can be a swollen lymph node ,a sebaceous cyst or a boil. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection along with other numerous causes. Sebaceous cyst is a closed sac or cyst that fills with a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis. It is usually painless but can become painful if infected. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle be staph aureus. Treatment includes antibiotics.

To confirm the diagnosis please get an evaluation and maybe a FNAC skin done by a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.