Neck Pain in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Once considered a rare complaint, neck pain in children has become a concern in today’s world because of changing lifestyle factors, increased screen time, and demanding school routines. Neck pain may seem to be a minor issue, but it may indicate some issues that need attention to prevent long-term complications.

This article focuses on neck pain in children, from poor posture and sports injury to medical conditions like infections and congenital anomalies. We’ll cover the symptoms that parents should be aware of and how to diagnose the problems, as well as treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes and physical therapy to medical interventions. As the early stage of the children’s physical condition is very vulnerable, one should not ignore neck pain at the earliest so that this should not hamper their overall development or health.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is the discomfort or feeling localized to the region of the cervical spine, involving the muscles, nerves, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and vertebrae. Biologically, it is usually related to mechanical stress, inflammation, nerve compression, or degenerative changes in the cervical structures.

You can read also:- Cervical Spine: Anatomy, Diseases, Disorders and Treatments

Why Does Neck Pain Occur in Children?

There are several causes for neck pain in children, including benign to some serious causes. It is generally not a very rare condition but results from some lifestyle habits injuries or any other underlying disease.

Common causes of neck pain in children are as follows

• Muscle strain or overuse:
  • Causes include poor postures, for instance, slouching over, and hunched over electronic devices.
  • Overuse of a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer may give rise to the condition called “text neck”.
  • Overuse during certain sports or exercises.
• Injury or Trauma:
  • Neck strain or whiplash may result from falls, accidents, or sports injuries.
  • jerking movements during physical activity
• Infections:
  • Throat infections such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis cause referred pain in the neck.
  • Lymphadenitis: Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck caused by an infection.
  • Meningitis: A serious illness that can produce neck stiffness, pain, along with fever.
• Torticollis (Wry Neck):
  • A condition where the neck muscles contract, causing the head to tilt to one side.
  • May be due to muscle strain, birth injuries, or idiopathic reasons.
• Congenital Conditions:
  • Structural deformities of the cervical spine may result in chronic neck pain.
  • Include Klippel-Feil syndrome, fusion of cervical vertebrae
• Psychosocial Factors:
  • Anxiety or tension may cause the contraction of neck muscles.
• Poor sleep habits
  • Slept awkwardly or improper pillows may stretch neck muscles
• Heavy school bags
  • Heavy load of schoolbag may cause overstretching of neck and shoulder muscles
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis:
  • Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis can cause neck pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Spinal Conditions:
  • Diseases like scoliosis or herniated cervical discs are relatively rare but may cause pain.

Symptoms of Neck Pain in Children

Neck pain symptoms in children differ from the actual cause. These are some common symptoms that point to neck pain:

General Symptoms:

• Pain or Discomfort: Pain located in the neck, which may be dull, sharp, or throbbing in nature. Such pain often gets worse with movement or other related activities.
• Stiffness: One may not easily turn or move the neck, with a sense of tightness or a loss of range of motion.
• Tenderness: Pain upon the application of pressure to the neck.
• Muscle Spasms: Neck muscles involuntarily tighten or cramp.
• Headache: Pain originating from the neck that can extend into the head, most often a tension-type headache.

Causes and Associated Symptoms:

• Infectious Causes: (for example, pharyngitis, lymphadenitis, meningitis): Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Fever, chills, or signs of systemic illness. A stiff neck, especially with meningitis, can also present with headache, nausea, or vomiting.
• Trauma or Injury: Pain that develops immediately in the neck following a fall or accident. Swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the neck region.
• Torticollis or Wry Neck: The inability to straighten the neck due to tilting to one side. Poor alignment of the neck.
• “Text Neck” or Poor Posture: Pain or discomfort following prolonged use of devices. Shoulders are rolled forward or sloping posture.
• Neurological Symptoms: (less frequent and associated with nerve compression or serious conditions): Paresthesias, weakness, or numbness in the arms or hands; loss of coordination or balance.

You can read also:- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & Treatment

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical care if the neck pain:

• Continues for several days or worsens.
• Accompanies a fever, headache, or stiffness.
• Occurs following a trauma or injury.
• Follows neurological signs, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms.
• Impairs mobility in the neck considerably.

Home Remedies for Neck Pain in Children

Neck pain in children can often be managed with simple and safe home remedies. These remedies help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing without the need for medication in most cases.

• Rest and Support: Encourage your child to rest and avoid activities that strain the neck, like rough play or prolonged screen time. Use a supportive pillow to keep the neck in a neutral position during sleep.
• Warm or Cold Compress
  • Cold Compress (First 24–48 Hours): Use an ice pack or frozen peas, cover this with a towel, and place it on the affected area for 15–20 minutes. This will help reduce swelling and numb the area.
  • Warm Compress (After 48 Hours): Use a warm towel, heating pad, or hot water bottle on the neck to relax the muscles and increase blood flow. Repeat this procedure 2–3 times a day for 15–20 minutes.
• Gentle Massage: Lightly massage the neck muscles using gentle pressure and warm coconut, olive, or lavender oil. This helps to relax tensed muscles and enhance circulation.
• Stretching and Relaxation Exercises: Once the pain has subsided, teach simple neck stretches: Tilt the head gently from side to side. Slowly rotate the neck in circles. All movements should be slow comfortable and not painful to avoid overstretching.
• Instill Good Posture: When your child studies, plays, or is on gadgets, teach them to sit straight. The height of the study table and screen may be adjusted accordingly to avoid slouching.
• Urge Break: Let your child know he needs to take short breaks after 30-40 minutes while engaged in reading, studying, or using gadgets. Get him moving and stretching.
• Use Epsom Salt Bath: Soak your child in a warm bath containing 1–2 cups of Epsom salt for 15–20 minutes. Magnesium from Epsom salt can help relax the muscles and decrease soreness.

Medical Treatment Options for Neck Pain in Children

Persistent neck pain is rare in children, and when encountered, needs careful evaluation to pinpoint the cause. Appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis. Here is a broad view of the general treatment the patient may require.

Initial Evaluation

• History and Evaluation: Evaluate the duration, severity, and any accompanying symptoms (such as fever, trauma, weakness, or neurological symptoms).
• Diagnostic tests may include X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or blood tests based on the suspected infection, injury, and other possible diagnoses.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Pain Medications: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) or Ibuprofen for lesser and moderate pain. Muscle relaxants can be prescribed in case of spasms.
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents: NSAIDs such as Naproxen or Diclofenac
• Antibiotics: In case of suspicion or confirmed infection like meningitis, abscess
• Corticosteroids: In autoimmune cases of Juvenile arthritis or intense inflammation.
• Other Medications: If the cause is neural then gabapentin may be prescribed.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve neck strength and mobility. Heat or cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Changing the posture of the child during activities like studying or using devices. Providing ergonomic furniture and a proper pillow for sleeping.
• Behavioral Therapy: Counseling or relaxation techniques may help in stress-related neck pain.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is very rarely required in children with neck pain, except in the following conditions:

• Infections (for example, abscess): Incision and drainage if there is an abscess.
• Trauma or Fracture: Stabilization surgery, such as spinal fusion, if the cervical spine is unstable.
• Tumors or Congenital Anomalies: Resection of tumors or structural anomalies.
• Herniated disc: Rare in children. Microdiscectomy or decompression surgery would be considered in very severe cases.

Conclusion

Children experience neck pain, though it is rare compared to other issues. Neck pain usually has causes such as strain, injury, infection, or an underlying health condition. When properly investigated and treated, patients often find relief from their pain, which helps avert complications. A variety of drug treatments, along with physiotherapy and lifestyle changes, typically alleviate symptoms and usually do not require surgery, except in a few more severe cases. Most children with neck pain fall under the care of pediatric orthopedics or pediatric neurology, depending on the cause. Shekhawati Hospital is one of the best medical facilities for kids suffering from chronic neck pain, including muscle spasms and other related issues. The hospital has an expert team dedicated to providing advanced care and personalized treatment plans to thoroughly address neck pain and related conditions.