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Symptom Checker

Neck Pain and Stiffness

Neck pain is soreness, stiffness or discomfort in the muscles, joints or other structures of the neck. A child may have trouble turning the head or moving the chin normally.

Muscle strain, awkward sleeping positions, sports and minor injuries are common causes. Viral illness, swollen lymph nodes, migraine and less common infections or inflammatory problems can also cause neck pain or stiffness.

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AAP Guide to Neck Pain and Stiffness

The AAP guide below explains common causes, what can help and when neck pain needs urgent care.

AAP Symptom CheckerNeck pain

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Symptom CheckerNeck pain New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child has fever with a stiff or painful neck.
  • Pain is severe, persistent or follows a significant injury.
  • Your child has headache, repeated vomiting, weakness or numbness.
  • Your child cannot move the neck normally.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A severe injury may have damaged the neck or spine.
  • Your child develops weakness, paralysis, confusion or a seizure.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms