What causes tender lymph nodes of the neck, but NOT swollen?

My lymph nodes have been tender to touch, but NOT swollen for months, maybe a year. Just blending in my face makeup onto my neck hurts my lymph nodes are so tender. Right under my ears, and where the ones on the jaw are located. I can't find anything on google that answers why they could be tender, without being swollen. If anyone has any answers, please let me know. Thank you

?2018-11-10T17:24:19Z

Your mental illness.