Neck pain on right side near pulse

[Tkberg]

Recently I have had a pain in my neck where you would normally take a pulse. This has lasted for 2-3 days without getting better and slightly worse. It is sore to the touch and hurts when I look up or to the right. The pain also increases when I bend over or strain in some fashion. The pain is on the right side of my neck. It doesn't feel abnormally swollen and does not hurt to swallow. My question is what could be causing this and should I be greatly concerned? Thank you.