First Aid: Stiff Neck

A stiff neck without other symptoms might be caused by minor muscle strain from sleeping in an odd position or looking down at a phone too long.

If your child has a stiff neck along with a fever and a headache, it could be more serious. For instance, meningitis is a rare infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord that can cause a stiff neck, headache, and fever.

What to Do

If your child has a stiff or sore neck but no fever or other symptoms:

• put a warm moist cloth on the neck as often as needed for pain
• give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain
• call the doctor if symptoms last more than a few days

Get Medical Care if Your Child Has a Stiff Neck and:

• had a recent injury
• has been bitten by a tick within the last month
• has a fever (or lower-than-normal temperature in babies)
• 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

Think Prevention!

• Get all routine immunizations on time, especially the meningococcal vaccine, which protects against bacterial meningitis.
• Help kids avoid tick bites:
  • Use insect repellent (with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET).
  • Check kids and pets often for ticks.
  • Make sure kids wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in high-risk outdoor areas.
• Have children avoid activities and equipment known to be risky for neck injuries.