My 3yo woke up yesterday with a stiff neck. She can move it to the right and to her chin but wont moe it to the left. To look left she turns her whole body. She does not have fever. She was playing and jumping and eating normally. I called the dr and she said to come in the next day, which is today in the morning. Now my daughter has been asking me to massage her neck. She is still asleep since its 6 am but she will wake up once in a while complaining and hitting her neck with her hands. Even though she will be at the drs in a few ours im still nervous of what it could be. Any help for comfort would be appreciated.
She probably slept on it funny and her muscles are stiff. This has happened to me many times...how about you?
If there's no fever, it's not that worrisome. I'd check with the doc, but really, stiff neck PLUS fever is a cause for alarm. Stiff neck all by itself, not so much. Just keep an eye on her and breathe deep.
My son had that happen when he fell asleep in the car. It was super painful. Not something a typical pediatrician can treat for you. A chiropractic adjustment helped a great deal instantly, and he was completely better in 48 hours.
I recall this happening to my sister when she was in preschool. She had a lot of ear infections and cysts in her eye lids..
She would have to spend the day on the couch with heating pads.
I agree, if she does not have a fever, she should be fine, but it is good you let the Doctor know so they can check her.
Hi M.,
Whether it's just a stiff neck from sleeping wrong or an illness, a chiropractor will help. Once the spine is properly aligned, most likely all will go away but if it doesn't then you will at least get a true picture of what is going on...if you don't have one or know of a good one in your area, go to upcspine.com. It's a great resource!
Regards,
M.
Have you tried anything warm? It may help loosen up the cramped muscles.
If nothing else, take a washcloth and soak it in hot water. Place that in a ziplock, and then wrap it in a thin towel to use as a hot pack.... that will be soothing, at least....
Sounds like it's Wry Neck (Torticollis).
She's got some stiff tight muscles in her neck and most likely will go away again in a few days.
In kids it sometimes starts up if there are swollen lymph nodes or an ear infection coming on.
When I get this I rub in some Aspercream (it doesn't smell like a liniment) and apply wet heat to it (damp wash cloth and a heating pad on low).
See what your doctor says but it should be over within a few days.
