Sore Neck in 4 Year Old

Hi--
We've taken both my children to a chiropractor since they were newborns. I would start there. Sometimes being born throws the neck out of alignment and if it was never fixed that could explain the neck pain. Most chiropractors are very careful with young children. I can recommend the one we go to (who is actually in the Denver area) and I have friends who use a chiropractor here in Castle Rock that they love. Let me know if you would like some names. You could also try massage. My kids babysitter is actually a massage therapist as well and she's worked on them quite a few times. It doesn't take a lot to work on a child. Their muscles usually respond pretty quickly.
Good luck,
J.

Definitely take her to the chiropractor! We've had great luck with getting our kids adjusted!

Find one that specializes in kids. They take extra training specifically for adjusting the little ones.

At least in adults, that kind of neck pain can be associated with tension headaches, which can be associated with dehydration. I'm not saying it's the only cause, but make sure she is getting enough water throughout the day. When she does get the headaches, think about how much she's had to drink (and compare with heat and activity levels) and see if it seems to be related.

I would talk to the doctor about it again. Tell him it's been going on since she was very young and that you are concerned. A good pediatrician shouldn't brush off a parent's worries without at least trying to figure out what's going on or explaining why it's normal. (And I really don't think chronic neck pain is normal)

I would definitely recommend a chiropractor. They are highly trained on techniques that benefit young children. You don't want to solely rely on Tylenol ever time she has a pain - it could be structural and easily fixed with chiropractic care. Hope you can get her some pain relief!

Yep take her to the Chiro. My husband is one, and he said make sure that you let the chiro know exactly when she complains about it. The situation can make a difference. Also try and find one that is either a family doc or specializes in children.

how long has she complained? A chiropractor wouldn't hurt. When did the doc see her last. My daughter does this a lot with her stomach. The doctor checked her out and she is fine. We determined that it is to get some extra attention. If she is running around and playing with other kids like nothing is wrong it could be just seeking attention. Keep an eye on it.

I also think a chiropractor would be a good option!!

Does she have shoulder or neck movements (tics)? Some kids with Tourette Syndrome will have pain when those jerky movements come--they come and go, it wouldn't be something she did all the time. Just another idea to rule out.

Take her to a chiropractor. I am a firm believer in baby chiropractics. My first child would scream in any position except his left side. My OB/GYN during our followup visit asked how things were and I told her what he does. She took a blanket and laid it on the floor, then laid him on the blanket and he naturally curled to the left side. She said he needed a chiropractor and referred us to a Chiropractor that also does babies. Within 2 visits he was happy and didn't scream again. The Chiropractor said that the babies get so twisted around that they really do need an adjustment. So when my twins were born I just took them in right after and had him adjust them. Try it for a couple visits, you will probably see a huge difference in her complaining.

Hi S.,

I also love in Castle Rock and take both my 4 and 6 year old girls to Dr. Joel Kinch at Well Within Chiropractic. We have been going regularly for a year and it has made a huge difference in their overall health. My 6 year old had a very hard birth and she had a lot of tension in her shoulders and neck as a result. I would call their office this week, they are giving away free exams to new patients to celebrate the Fourth of July. Here's his website http://www.maximizedlivingdrkinch.com/ I hope this information helps your daughter.

R. H.

I would also recommend Derry Chiropractic (Dr. Amy) in Stroh Ranch in Parker. She's been wonderful to work with and loves kids. It has made a huge difference and my 4 year old son jumps up on her table and says "She can make my back feel so much better!". Good luck!

Please take her to a good chiropractor who has lots of experience treating children! What you are describing is NOT normal and it is probably pain caused by a pretty bad subluxion. I was not much of a believer in chiropractors until I worked for one and started getting adjustments; they made such a positive difference for me! Medical insurance will sometimes pay for part of the cost of treatment, and really, if your daughter is in so much pain it is more than worth the money to get this taken care of.

My 17 year old has complained of neck pain for the last couple of years.We were on vacation in a 3rd world country and hit a pothole, she was sitting in the very back of a the SUV and we think that's what has caused he neck to be out of alignment. We finally started going to a chiropractor because I was not about to let her be treated by throwing drugs at it and it has helped tremendously!