What to Do About a Stiff Neck

A stiff neck without other symptoms is often caused by minor muscle strain from sleeping in an odd position or looking down at a phone too long. This usually gets better with home care.

But a stiff neck that happens after an injury (like a fall) or along with a fever and headache could be more serious. For example, meningitis is a infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord that can cause a stiff neck, headache, and fever.

How Is a Stiff Neck Treated?

If your child has a stiff or sore neck but wasn't injured and has no fever or other symptoms:

• Put a warm moist cloth on the neck for 20 minutes every 3–4 hours as needed for pain.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Don't give ibuprofen to an infant younger than 6 months old.
• Call the doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or don't improve.

When Should I Call the Doctor for a Stiff Neck?

Call the doctor right away if your child has a stiff neck and:

• had a recent injury
• was bitten by a tick within the last month
• has a fever (or is a baby and has a lower-than-normal temperature)
• seems very tired or drowsy
• is very cranky (or is a baby and can't be comforted)
• has a lasting headache
• is vomiting
• has a skin rash
• has flu-like symptoms
• is an infant and has a weak suck, high-pitched cry, or a bulging soft spot on the skull

Can Stiff Necks Be Prevented?

To avoid neck pain from sore muscles:

• Encourage kids not to look down at their phones too long. It’s important to take breaks.
• Make sure your child’s sleeping area is comfortable. Check that the pillow isn’t too tall or too flat to support the neck. A lumpy pillow or toys in the bed can create an uncomfortable night of sleep.

To avoid more serious causes of neck pain:

• Make sure your kids get all recommended vaccines on time, especially the meningococcal vaccine, which protects against bacterial meningitis.
• Help kids avoid bites from ticks that may carry meningitis:
  • Use insect repellent (with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET).
  • Check kids and pets for ticks after they've been outdoors.
  • Have kids wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in high-risk outdoor areas.