Torticolis
Definition:
Commonly known as wry neck or stiff neck, is a condition characterized by sudden and involuntary contractions or spasms of the muscles in the neck, leading to pain and limited range of motion. This condition can cause the head to tilt to one side and may make it difficult to turn or move the neck comfortably.
Principal causes:
Neck pain: Dull or sharp pain in the neck, often localized on one side and aggravated by movement.
Muscle stiffness: Difficulty turning or tilting the head, with limited range of motion in the neck.
Head tilt: The head may tilt to one side or be stuck in an awkward position due to muscle spasms.
Shoulder discomfort: Discomfort or tension in the shoulders or upper back due to compensatory movements or muscle tension.
Headaches: Tension headaches may occur as a result of muscle strain and stiffness in the neck.
Symptoms:
Muscle strain: Overuse or sudden movements of the neck muscles, such as sleeping in an awkward position or jerking the neck during physical activity, can lead to muscle strain and spasms.
Poor posture: Prolonged sitting or standing with improper neck and head alignment, such as slouching or craning the neck forward, can strain the neck muscles and contribute to the development of torticolis.
Neck injury: Trauma or injury to the neck, such as whiplash from a car accident or a blow to the neck during sports activities, can cause muscle spasms and stiffness.
Sleeping position: Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or with inadequate neck support can lead to muscle strain and torticolis upon waking.
Underlying conditions: In some cases, torticolis may be associated with underlying medical conditions such as cervical arthritis, cervical disc herniation, or infections affecting the neck muscles or nerves.
Our Treatment as a EvivaPHYSIO:
Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate neck pain and allowing the muscles to rest and recover.
Heat or ice therapy: Applying heat packs or ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Gentle stretching: Performing gentle neck stretches and range of motion exercises to help loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility.
Massage therapy: Gentle massage of the neck muscles may help relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Postural correction: Practicing proper posture and ergonomic principles during daily activities to reduce strain on the neck muscles.
Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program and receive hands-on treatment, such as manual therapy or therapeutic modalities.
In most cases, torticolis improves with conservative measures and self-care strategies within a few days to a week. However, if symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, or if torticolis is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or severe headache, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for further evaluation and management.