Cymraeg
Neck pain is a common muscle, joint and bone symptom.
Neck Pain
Where is it felt?
Neck pain is very common in children and adolescents. It can be severe at first and stop you from doing your usual activities. Neck pain may start when doing everyday activities or may feel worse with movement.
Why does it happen?
Neck pain can be a result of many factors. It can be caused by an injury such as a whiplash or a fall or can be because of an illness. Most commonly neck pain can be a result of poor posture, especially when studying or using handheld technology such as phones or tablets and lots of time is spent looking down or staying in the same position, sleeping in an awkward position can also cause muscle pain and difficulty moving in the morning.
When should I see the GP?
If you are concerned that your baby is not able to move their neck to both sides fully or they have any flattening of their head that is stopping them from moving their neck fully then please see your GP or health visitor as soon as possible.
It is important for your child to see a GP or health professional if they experience neck pain, especially if any of the following are present:
- History of injury or trauma
- Pins and needles or changes to sensation in limbs
- Weakness in limbs
- Severe pain that doesn’t change
- Feeling unwell or the child looks unwell
- Fever
- Pain that is not linked to moving the neck
- Under 5 years old
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Changes to vision
- Changes to hearing
- Changes to movement in neck
- Night pain
- Weight loss
If your child is complaining of neck pain and also reports dislike of bright lights, feeling unwell, fever or high temperature or a rash that doesn’t disappear under a glass please seek urgent medical attention.
Will it get better?
For most people children and young people yes, the pain will get better with simple changes such as improving posture and moving more often. For others it may take a little bit longer. Very rarely you will need further assessment and treatment.
What can I do to help myself/my child?
Some of the most important things you can do to help your neck pain are related to your lifestyle choices and general health. We have provided some useful links to help guide you through.
The information in Step Two explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
Step Two explains the factors that may be contributing to your situation.
Step Three explains self-management advice on what you can do to help yourself.
Learn more about:
Alongside the self-management advice in Step Three, some general exercises for neck pain can be helpful to support a gradual return to normal movement and function.
What can be done to help me/my child?
An assessment of your problem and treatment may be necessary if the self-management advice in Step Three does not help. Consider seeking further help.
If you continue to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing and are unsure what to do contact your GP practice or ring NHS Wales 111.
