How do you treat a pulled neck muscle in a child?

Wrap an ice pack or bag of ice cubes in a towel and apply it to the child’s neck for 20 minutes at a time. If neck pain persists after a few days, heat may help. To use heat, place a warm compress or electric heating pad on the child’s neck for 10 minutes. A warm bath may also help relax tight muscles and relieve pain.

When should I worry about my child’s neck pain?

Call Your Doctor If: Stiff neck occurs. Pain starts to shoot into the arms, upper back or legs. Pain lasts more than 2 weeks. You think your child needs to be seen.

How do you tell if your child has a neck injury?

Look for signs of discomfort or weakness like not turning their head to one side, difficulty sitting still or sleeping, or difficulty using arms during activities.

How long does it take for a strained neck muscle to heal?

With proper treatment and rest, most patients will recover from a neck strain or sprain within four to six weeks. If the strain or sprain is severe, it can take three months or more to fully recover.

Can a 5 year old pull a neck muscle?

Neck pain is most often caused by a muscle strain. Your child may have strained their neck by sleeping awkwardly or turning their head quickly.

Can a 5 year old get a 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.

Can a 4 year old pull a muscle in neck?

Your Care Instructions. Your child has strained the muscles and ligaments in his or her neck. A sudden, awkward movement can strain the neck. This often occurs with falls or car crashes or during certain sports.

How do you treat a strained neck muscle?

Stiff neck remedies to try

  1. Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that.
  2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Doctors recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  3. Keep moving.
  4. Gentle massage.
  5. Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow.
  6. Use a soft neck collar.

What do you do for a pulled muscle in your neck?

Treatments for a strained neck muscle For Grade I and II strains, doctors usually prescribe the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—to treat the muscle, followed up with physical therapy to restrengthen the torn muscle and the surrounding fibers. The doctor may give you a neck brace to help support your neck.

What does a pulled neck muscle feel like?

Neck strains are usually felt in the back of the neck, or mostly in the neck and partially in a nearby region, such as the back of the head, upper back, and/or shoulder. Achy or throbbing pain. A dull, nagging pain may persist and potentially affect sleep at night and/or concentration during the day.

What helps a pulled neck muscle?

Initial Treatments for Neck Strain

  1. Activity modification. Resting the neck and/or refraining from strenuous activities for a couple days can give the muscle or tendon time to start healing and feeling better.
  2. Ice and/or heat therapy.
  3. Over-the-counter pain medication.