Skip to main content

Acute Torticollis (Twisted Neck)

 Torticollis – another name for having a ‘twisted neck’ or a ‘wry neck’ – often happens suddenly. You go to bed without any symptoms one night and then you simply wake up the following morning with a wry neck. This is known as acute torticollis.

It is a very common cause of neck pain and stiffness. However, although it can be very painful when you are affected by it, most people with the condition do not actually need to see their doctor, as simple treatment such as painkillers, physiotherapy can be really effective.

symptoms

Developing a wry neck (acute torticollis) occurs when the muscles supporting your neck on one side become painful. These symptoms usually come on very quickly, often overnight, so that you wake up with pain and stiffness down one side of your neck.

  • The pain is usually just on one side of your neck and stiffness of the muscles in that area twists the neck to one side.
  • You may find it very difficult when you try to straighten your neck, due to pain.
  • Occasionally, the pain is in the middle of your neck.
  • The pain may spread to the back of your head or to your shoulder.
  • The muscles of your affected side may be tender.
  • Pressure on certain areas may trigger a ‘spasm’ of these muscles.
  • Movement of your neck is restricted, particularly on one side.

tests for torticollis

The good news is that usually you will not need to have any tests to find out what is causing the problem. The diagnosis of sudden-onset wry neck (acute torticollis) is made from the typical symptoms. Many people with milder symptoms diagnose this on their own. Your doctor or physiotherapist can usually make the diagnosis by performing an examination of your neck.

The examination can usually confirm the diagnosis and will also usually exclude the rarer causes of torticollis. Tests such as an X-rays are not generally needed. Your doctor or physiotherapist would only refer you for further tests if a condition other than acute torticollis is suspected.

causes

The cause of sudden-onset wry neck (acute torticollis) is often not known. It can happen in people with no previous neck symptoms. It is a common cause of neck pain in young people. There is usually no obvious injury.

However, it may be due to a minor sprain or irritation of a muscle or ligament in the neck. Some reasons for this include:

  • Sitting or sleeping in an unusual position without adequate neck support.
  • Poor posture when looking at a computer screen.
  • Carrying heavy unbalanced loads (for example, a briefcase or shopping bag).
  • Allowing certain muscles of the neck to be exposed to cold (sleeping in a draught).

other causes of torticollis

Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia (also known as spasmodic torticollis) is a problem where abnormal movements develop in the muscles of the neck. It most often occurs in people over the age of 40 years.

You cannot control the contraction of the neck muscles which produce abnormal movements and postures of the neck and head. These can be either twisting (torticollis), being pulled forwards (antecollis), backwards (retrocollis), or sideways (laterocollis).

Cervical dystonia can range from being mild to severe. However, regular injections of botulinum toxin and physiotherapy, which paralyse the affected muscles, are the most effective treatment.

Other less common causes

More rarely, torticollis in the neck occurs as a result of other conditions. These include:

  • Infections of your throat or upper airways. These can cause swelling in the lymph glands in your neck or infections in your skin and underlying tissues. The inflammation can trigger a spasm in your neck muscles.
  • Any abnormality or injury of your neck (cervical spine). For example, cervical spine tumours or blood vessel abnormalities.
  • As a side-effect of certain medicines – for example, phenothiazines.

Acute torticollis treatment

The aims of treatment for sudden-onset wry neck (acute torticollis) are to relieve the pain and try to reduce the stiffness in your muscles. The following may be advised:

Physiotherapy management (Exercise neck and keep active)

Aim to keep your neck moving as normally as possible. At first the pain may be quite bad and you may need to rest for a day or so. However, gently exercise the neck as soon as you are able to. You should not let it stiffen up.

Gradually try to increase the range of the neck movements. Every few hours gently move your neck in each direction. Do this several times a day. As far as possible, continue with normal activities. You will not cause damage to your neck by moving it.

You should avoid such activities like driving until you can move your neck freely and without any pain.

Some other treatments which may be advised include:

  • A good posture. Keeping a regular check on your posture may help. Make sure that your sitting position at work or at the computer is not poor. It is important to ensure that your head is not flexed forward and also that your back is not stooped when you are sitting and working. You should make sure you sit upright. It can all improve neck posture but their actual value in treating neck pain is uncertain.
  • A firm supporting pillow. This seems to help some people when sleeping. Try not to use more than one pillow.
  • Heat packs. These can help relax the stiffness in the affected muscles and are useful for some people.

Remember: soft neck collars are not recommended anymore as they can actually worsen and prolong the stiffness.

The outlook (prognosis) is good. A wry neck (acute torticollis) often improves within 24-48 hours. However, it may take up to a week for the symptoms to go completely.

THOSE ABOVE ARE COLLECTED FROM SOME WEBSITES.

THANK YOU,

SRIKUMARAN PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC & FITNESS CENTER

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BRONCHIECTASIS

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis means abnormal dilatation of the bronchi due to chronic airway inflammation and infection. It is usually acquired, but may result from an underlying genetic or congenital defect of airway defences. CAUSES: Congenital • Cystic fibrosis • Primary ciliary dyskinesia • Kartagener’s syndrome (sinusitis and transposition of the viscera) • Primary hypogammaglobulinaemia Acquired • Pneumonia (complicating whooping cough or measles) • Inhaled foreign body • Suppurative pneumonia • Pulmonary TB • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis complicating asthma • Bronchial tumours CLINICAL FEATURES: ● Chronic cough productive of purulent sputum.  ● Pleuritic pain. ● Haemoptysis.  ● Halitosis. Acute exacerbations may cause fever and increase these symptoms. Examination reveals coarse crackles caused by sputum in bronchiectatic spaces. Diminished breath sounds may indicate lobar collapse. Bronchial breathing due to scarring may be heard in advanced disease. INVESTIG...
Post a Comment
Read more

CARDIAC ARREST AND RESUSCITATION

INTRODUCTION: The leading causes of sudden death before old age, in people over the age of 44, are ventricular fibrillation from asymptomatic ischaemic heart disease or non-traumatic accidents such as drowning and poisoning. In people under the age of 38, the commonest causes are traumatic, due to accident or violence. In such instances death may be prevented if airway obstruction can be reversed, apnoea or hypoventilation avoided, blood loss prevented or corrected and the person not allowed to be pulseless or hypoxic for more than 2 or 3 minutes. If, however, there is circulatory arrest for more than a few minutes, or if blood loss or severe hypoxia remain uncorrected, irreversible brain damage may result. Immediate resuscitation is capable of preventing death and brain damage. The techniques required may be used anywhere, with or without equipment, and by anyone, from the lay public to medical specialists, provided they have been appropriately trained. Resuscitation may be divided in...
Post a Comment
Read more