Pediatric Neck Pain

Neck pain in children is usually just temporary. If they are old enough, they will usually tell their parents that their neck or upper back hurts. The child may also move their head from side to side, according to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Significance

• Children's neck pain may be more serious than just a muscle injury. It is best to contact a pediatrician about any neck pain symptoms, including a child's neck that is sensitive to the touch. This is especially true if the child were involved in an accident.

Causes

• Most pediatric neck pain is caused by a strained muscle. The child may have slept on their neck in an awkward manner or strained their neck playing or participating in sports.

Other Causes

• Children who sit at computers for long periods of time can strain their neck. A child can also strain his neck reading in bed with his neck bent at an awkward angle.

Treatment

• Most neck pain in children can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory medications, ice for the first two days and a heating pad. Parents may also consider wrapping the child's neck in a rolled-up towel at night instead of a pillow; this will prevent their neck from moving too much when they sleep.

Warning

• If a child has trouble bending his head toward his chin, this may be an early sign of spinal meningitis. Always contact a doctor if the pain persists for over two hours after taking the medication, or if the child has a fever along with neck pain.