I was diagnosed with a neck muscle strain and took the day off from work and have been resting and took 800 mg of ibuprofen. my neck feels better but i have a headache that feels almost like a dehydration headache. i'm afraid of meningitis. ?

Unlikely: The chances of ur having meningitis is low. Headache is likely part of neck strain and has also resulted in a tension headache. To suspect meningitis other symptoms are more important: persistent vomiting, altered sensorium where the patient gets more and more confused and of course the headache keeps getting worse. If still in doubt do not hesitate to see a doctor in urgent care or visit ER.

See answer: Fortunately the incidence of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. has declined markedly with the advent of routine preventive vaccination. The chance of getting meningitis at 24 years of age is approximately 1 in 150,000. Patients with bacterial meningitis have at least 2 of the following 4 findings: Fever(often >101F), Headache, Stiff Neck and Altered Mental Status(confusion, drowsiness,coma).