Medically reviewed by Dr. Harshul Zaveri, a CHOC professional in pediatric neurology and complications
Understanding stiff neck in youngsters
A stiff neck with out different signs is usually brought on by minor muscle pressure—like from sleeping in an odd place or trying down at a cellphone or pill for too lengthy. Typically, a bit of relaxation, light motion and residential care will help it really feel higher very quickly. Neck leisure and stretching workout routines may 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 critical. For instance, meningitis is an an infection of the masking of the mind and spinal wire that may typically 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 possibly can normally deal with the issue at residence.
- Place a heat, moist material 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 secure for infants beneath 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 latest harm or concern that they have been bitten by a tick (Be aware: This could be very uncommon in Orange County)
- Has a fever or latest 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 smooth spot on the cranium
Are you able to forestall 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, ensure that to maintain the display at eye stage for a extra ergonomic place. It’s necessary to take breaks.
- Ensure your baby’s sleeping space is snug. Examine 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 might be utilizing an acceptable mattress for age.
To keep away from extra critical causes of neck ache:
- Maintain your baby updated on all advisable vaccines, particularly the meningococcal vaccine, which protects towards bacterial meningitis.
- Assist youngsters keep away from bites from ticks that will carry meningitis:
- Search for if areas you might be visiting are excessive threat for ticks
- Use insect repellent (with not more than 10% to 30% focus of DEET).
- Examine youngsters and pets for ticks after they’ve been open air.
- Gown youngsters in lengthy pants and lengthy sleeves in high-risk out of doors areas.
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Study extra about CHOC’s Neuroscience Institute
CHOC Hospital was named one of many nation’s finest youngsters’s hospitals by U.S. Information & World Report in its 2024-25 Greatest Youngsters’s Hospitals rankings and ranked within the neurology and neuroscience specialties.