Have you ever woken up with your head to one side or suddenly felt a painful, restrictive spasm in your neck? Have you been unable to look both ways to cross the road? Is your neck feeling stuck?
Acute torticollis, also known as wry neck or cervical dystonia, is a common but often distressing condition that causes the head to be suddenly pulled towards one side. Torticollis can occur following an injury or after sleeping in an awkward position.
Causes
Sustaining a neck position for an extended period of time and/or a sudden, quick movement can cause irritation to a cervical facet joint (causing stiffness) or intervertebral disc (causing inflammation).
Common factors
Stress
Weakness in neck and shoulders
Stiffness in mid-back
Poor ergonomic set up
Non-neutral sleep position
Symptoms
Pain during neck movement
Profound reduction in range of motion
Swelling and inflammation
Stiffness
Spasm with sudden neck movements
Tenderness at the neck and upper back
Diagnosis
After a full history is taken, an assessment of the cervico-thoracic region to determine the level and location of injury is completed. This includes observing posture, active movements, passive movements, intervertebral movements and palpation of the musculature and bony prominences. This ensures an accurate diagnosis so a relevant treatment plan can be determined.
Treatment
Treatment is focused on reducing pain and gently improving the movement in the neck over the initial 24-48 hours. Education on sleep positions and work ergonomics is also introduced early in the piece.
Manipulation and mobilisation:
Passive stretches and mobilisation to the cervical spine and muscles of the neck
Exercise:
Active self-mobilisations using a strap or a towel
Thoracic stretching and upper quadrant strengthening
Neck strengthening exercises using a resistance band
Soft tissue treatment:
Dry-needling
Soft tissue massage
Trigger point therapy
Kinesio-taping
Home remedies:
Heat pack for 20mins at the neck
Upper back stretches/mobility at regular intervals through the day
Medications that treat acute torticollis include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Muscle relaxants
Prognosis
A well managed torticollis usually resolves within 2-7 days given minimal interference from recurring external factors listed earlier (like poor ergonomics). Physiotherapy management is crucial to an active recovery, return to full function and gym or sport in a timely manner.
References
Crowner, B.E. (2007) Cervical Dystonia: Disease Profile and Clinical Management. Physical Therapy. 7(11). 1511-1526.
https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/87/11/1511/2742273
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