The trapezius muscle is located on the back of the neck and moves down the top of the shoulders and upper back. A child with a swollen trapezius might also be in pain, most likely due to a strain or sprain of the muscle. In many cases, treating the swelling at home saves the expense of a trip to the doctor. If the problem doesn't respond to home remedies, contact your child's pediatrician for an evaluation of her symptoms, which helps rule out an underlying health condition.
Causes
Swelling in your child's neck area is most likely to due to a strain or sprain. Causes include poor posture, carrying a heavy backpack, sleeping in an awkward way, playing sports or staring at a media screen for too long. Concerns that are more serious include meningitis, which causes a stiff neck that a child might interpret as pain, as well as swelling. A fever is also present if this is the case. An injury to the neck area is another possible cause of swelling in the area. If you suspect meningitis or an injury, seek medical attention right away.
Treatment
Treat the swelling in your child's trapezius muscle to help alleviate pain and discomfort and aid in healing. Over-the-counter pain medications are a good option, as they relieve both swelling and pain. Rest is another important component of healing a swollen muscle. Keep your child from engaging in any strenuous activities for a few days as he recovers. Another way to reduce swelling in the trapezius is to apply ice. The Mayo Clinic website recommends icing the area for 15 to 20 minutes, several times per day. If swelling doesn't subside or isn't alleviated with home treatment, talk to your child's doctor about alternative treatments.
Prevention
Several easy-to-implement activities help prevent your child from straining her trapezius muscle. If she plays sports, encourage her to stretch appropriately before practice or a game. Make sure that she wears safety gear when playing sports, riding her bike, skating or other physical activities, which helps prevent trapezius muscle injuries. When she watches television, uses the computer or plays video games, ensure that she isn't sitting in a slouched position. Hunching over for an extended amount of time contributes to neck strain, which may cause swelling in the area. If your child must carry a large load in her backpack, consider a rolling bag, which allows her to transport her school materials without straining her neck.
Considerations
Swelling of the trapezius muscle that's associated with a sprain or strain should go away in a couple of days. If not, make an appointment with the doctor to determine the cause. Any muscle swelling or pain accompanied by a fever requires immediate medical care to rule out a case of meningitis, which is fatal if left untreated. If swelling or pain doesn't respond to pain medication, call your child's doctor. If your child complains of a headache, stiffness, or a tingling sensation in her arms, take her to the emergency room right away.
