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.
If your child has a stiff or sore neck but wasn't injured and has no fever or other symptoms:
Call the doctor right away if your child has a stiff neck and:
To avoid neck pain from sore muscles:
To avoid more serious causes of neck pain:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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