How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Neck Pain (Acute) in Children

Audience: pediatric

If your child has sudden neck pain, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand what to do next. Acute neck pain means the pain started recently and may be due to muscle strain, injury, or other causes. During the video visit, the doctor or nurse will ask questions about your child's symptoms and may guide you to check how your child moves their neck. Preparing ahead can make the visit easier and more helpful. Remember, this guide is for education and preparation only—it does not replace an in-person exam or emergency care if your child has serious symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child cannot move their neck or head without severe pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child has weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs — call emergency services.
• Child has a high fever with stiff neck or difficulty swallowing — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of neck pain symptoms and history.
• Guidance on gentle neck movement and symptom monitoring.
• Advice on home care and when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Emergency treatment for severe symptoms or injuries.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child's neck pain, including when it started, what makes it better or worse, and if there are other symptoms like fever or weakness. They may ask you to help your child gently move their neck during the video to see how it moves and where it hurts. The provider will also ask about any recent injuries or illnesses.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, find a quiet, well-lit space where your child can sit comfortably. Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when the pain began and any recent activities or injuries. Keep any medications your child is taking nearby. Make sure your device is charged and the internet connection is stable. If possible, have another adult present to help during the visit.

Common Causes of Acute Neck Pain in Children

Acute neck pain in children is often caused by muscle strain from poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or minor injuries during play. Sometimes, infections like a sore throat can cause neck pain. Most cases improve with rest and simple care, but some may need further evaluation.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has neck pain along with any of the following, seek emergency care immediately:

These signs may indicate a serious problem that needs urgent attention.

Tips for Managing Neck Pain at Home

You can help your child by encouraging rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain. Applying a warm compress to the neck may ease muscle tightness. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used as directed by your healthcare provider. Make sure your child maintains good posture and avoids heavy backpacks.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms and when they started.
• Gather information about recent injuries or illnesses.
• Keep any medications your child takes nearby.
• Have another adult available to assist if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care if any red-flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your child's symptoms and any treatments used.

FAQs

Can a doctor diagnose my child's neck pain over a video visit?

A healthcare provider can often assess your child's symptoms and guide you during a video visit, but some cases may require an in-person exam or tests to make a full diagnosis.

What should I do if my child’s neck pain gets worse after the video visit?

If your child's pain worsens or new symptoms like weakness or fever develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly or seek emergency care if severe.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine before the video visit?

Yes, you can usually give age-appropriate doses of over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but inform the provider about any medications given during the visit.

How can I help my child during the video visit?

Help your child sit comfortably and follow the provider's instructions for moving their neck gently. Stay calm and provide reassurance throughout the visit.

When should I schedule an in-person visit after a video consultation?

If the provider recommends further evaluation, or if symptoms do not improve within a few days, an in-person visit may be necessary to check your child's neck more closely.

Sources

1. Neck Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Neck Pain — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pediatric Neck Pain: Evaluation and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms but may not replace the need for in-person examination or emergency treatment. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.