Medically reviewed by Dr. Harshul Zaveri, a CHOC skilled in pediatric neurology and complications
Understanding stiff neck in kids
A stiff neck with out different signs is usually brought on by minor muscle pressure—like from sleeping in an odd place or wanting down at a telephone or pill for too lengthy. Usually, slightly relaxation, light motion and residential care can assist it really feel higher very quickly. Neck rest and stretching workouts will also be useful.
Nonetheless, if the stiff neck comes after a fall or harm—or reveals up together with a fever and headache—it might be an indication of one thing extra severe. For instance, meningitis is an an infection of the protecting of the mind and spinal wire that may usually current with fever, neck stiffness, and headache.
How is a stiff neck handled?
In case your baby has a stiff or sore neck with out an harm, fever, or different signs, you may often deal with the issue at dwelling.
- Place a heat, moist fabric in your baby’s neck for about 20 minutes each few hours to assist ease the discomfort.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for ache as directed (simply keep in mind, ibuprofen isn’t protected for infants below 6 months).
- Name the physician if the signs don’t enhance over a number of days, persist or worsen.
When ought to I name the physician for a stiff neck?
Name the physician immediately in case your baby has a stiff neck and:
- Had a current harm or concern that they have been bitten by a tick (Word: This is able to be very uncommon in Orange County)
- Has a fever or current fever
- Appears very drained or drowsy
- Could be very cranky or troublesome to console
- Has a pores and skin rash or has flu-like signs
- Is an toddler and has a weak suck, high-pitched cry, or a bulging delicate spot on the cranium
Are you able to stop stiff necks?
To keep away from neck ache from sore muscle mass:
- Encourage youngsters to not look down at their telephones or digital gadgets too lengthy. In case your baby requires a pc for schoolwork, make certain to maintain the display at eye degree for a extra ergonomic place. It’s essential to take breaks.
- Ensure that your baby’s sleeping space is comfy. Test that their pillow isn’t too tall or too flat. A lumpy pillow or toys within the mattress can result in poor sleep posture.
- Guarantee you’re utilizing an applicable mattress for age.
To keep away from extra severe causes of neck ache:
- Preserve your baby updated on all beneficial vaccines, particularly the meningococcal vaccine, which protects in opposition to bacterial meningitis.
- Assist youngsters keep away from bites from ticks which will carry meningitis:
- Search for if areas you’re visiting are excessive danger for ticks
- Use insect repellent (with not more than 10% to 30% focus of DEET).
- Test youngsters and pets for ticks after they’ve been outside.
- Costume kids in lengthy pants and lengthy sleeves in high-risk out of doors areas.
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Be taught extra about CHOC’s Neuroscience Institute
CHOC Hospital was named one of many nation’s finest kids’s hospitals by U.S. Information & World Report in its 2024-25 Greatest Kids’s Hospitals rankings and ranked within the neurology and neuroscience specialties.
