Causes of Neck Pain in Children

Children for elementary school level through students in college cart around backpacks that are crammed to overflowing with books, lunches, and a multitude of other things. Most children and students grab their backpack and fling it over one shoulder haphazardly because they are in a hurry to get out the door or are making a fashion statement. More doctors are seeing causes of back, shoulder and neck pain in children and teenagers caused by backpacks, which are too heavy or worn improperly. Children should not carry a backpack that exceeds more than fifteen percent of their body weight or use only one strap. Some signs to watch for indicating that the back, shoulder or neck pain in children is a result of their backpacks include, difficulty putting on or removing their backpack, pressure marks on the child’s shoulders, leaning forward while walking, and tingling or numbness in their hands or arms.

Some ways to help prevent back, shoulder and neck pain in children caused by the backpack is to make sure they wear it properly, by putting the straps over both shoulders to distribute the weight better. Be sure that the weight of the backpack does not exceed ten to fifteen percent of the child’s body weight. Preventing back and neck pain in children is extremely important so be sure they carry only the necessities in their backpack, even if it means purchasing a second set of school books, so he or she does not have to cart them back and forth from school to home. Spend a little extra and invest in a good quality backpack that has heavy padded shoulder straps and a good waist strap to balance the weight. This will help eliminate the back and neck pain in children. Children should wear their backpack with the straps tightened so it sits above their bottom.

Back and neck pain in children can result from genetic abnormality, injury, poor posture, illness, and diseases. Sports injuries and emotional stress can also cause back and neck pain in children. Contact sports are often the cause of neck and back pain. Playing hockey and sliding head first into the boards or playing soccer and heading the ball can cause misalignments in the spine. Doctors often recommend chiropractic treatment for misaligned vertebrae, which often helps not only neck pain in children but headaches, back problems, and frequent earaches.

Back and neck pain in children should be taken seriously by their parents. Look for obvious things such as poor posture or a backpack that is too heavy. If you cannot find the cause, seek medical attention for your child in order to find back and neck pain relief for him or her.

Home Treatment for Neck Pain

Neck pain can occur anywhere from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of the head. You may experience limited head and neck movement or pain that spreads to your arms or upper back. Even people taking prescription medications or other medical treatment for neck pain may find that home treatment for neck pain helps speed up their recovery. Always talk to your physician before starting any home treatment for neck pain. For chronic long lasting pain, use the same treatment for neck pain and relief methods below, except the treatments for swelling.

Treatment for neck pain that appears suddenly and is acute starts with applying ice packs to the painful area for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Cold treatments help diminish any swelling and pain and decrease muscle spasm pain. If you do not have an ice pack, fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap a pillowcase around it or use frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel. Be very careful you do not leave the ice pack on too long and end up with frostbite or damage to your skin. Ice the back of your neck if the pain is near your upper back or shoulder.

During the first two days after a neck injury, stay away from anything that could increase swelling, such as heat. Avoid taking a hot shower or bath and do not drink any alcoholic beverages. Once the swelling goes down which is usually from forty-eight to seventy-two hours after the injury, apply heat using a heating pad or warm pack on low. Some experts recommend a cold and heat treatment for neck pain, where you alternate between icing your neck and using a heating pad.

As part of your treatment for neck pain, encourage blood flow and relieve pain to the injured region by gently rubbing or massaging the area but only do this if it does not cause any pain. Many excellent nonprescription gels and creams on the market provide immediate pain relief. To reduce inflammation and relieve pain, there are several over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to anyone under the age of twenty because there is a chance of Reye’s syndrome.

To prevent stiffness and keep your neck strong and flexible do neck strengthening and stretching exercises. This treatment for neck pain can help in the healing process for both chronic and acute neck pain and often helps prevent further injury. If possible, try to modify or avoid activities that aggravate your neck pain.