Chiropractor Federal Way Wa | Treating The Symptoms Of Wry Neck: Pain & Stiffness

A remarkable number of people deal with the condition of Wry Neck or Spasmodic Torticollis from time to time. Pain & stiffness are the most common symptoms, and although uncomfortable, this condition rarely results from anything serious.

Presentation of Symptoms -

Wry neck, or torticollis, is defined by an inability to turn ones neck. The head is usually twisted to one side and the chin to the other, and the muscles of the neck are in spasm. In rare cases the problem is caused by a herniated disc or bacterial infection. Pain may be local or extend down the spine.

Torticollis itself can also be congenital, and young children who suffer from congenital torticollis are treated with physical therapy, stretching and even surgery if the muscles remain non-responsive.

The symptoms can come on slowly or literally overnight, depending upon the underlying cause. Wry neck is often the result of sleeping on inappropriate pillows, for example, or can be the result of overexerting the neck muscles over a period of time.

Treatment Options for Torticollis -

There are numerous treatment options for those suffering from torticollis. The degree of spasm and rotation play a part in determining the best solution for each patient.

Most commonly, for cases of true spasmodic torticollis, injections of botulism toxin are applied to the contracted muscle. This causes the muscle to cease contracting, and the neck to straighten. Patients report 3-4 months of relief from such injections.

Oral medications are also an option for treating torticollis. Dopamine blockers used to be the medication of choice, but today most doctors prescribe anticholinergic agents which block acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous systems. While about 50% of those treated with such drugs experience significant relief of their symptoms, the side effects are often undesirable.

Deep brain stimulation is a technique that has been in use for patients with Parkinson's disease and it has been found effective in the treatment of Torticollis as well. For those with a chronic problem that hasn't been resolved by other treatments, surgery to place a stimulator deep within the brain that overrides the spasmodic nature of the muscles can help dramatically. The treatment is reversible and adjustable.

A final option is that of a Sensory Trick. This procedure can ease the spasms by touching the chin with the contralateral hand. It is uncertain why this works, although some hypotheses exist, and it must be performed by the patient for the best effect.

Three other Causes of Neck Pain & Stiffness -

There are, of course, many other causes of neck pain and stiffness. Few are as challenging as living with torticollis.

Arthritis: caused by deterioration of the vertebrae in the neck, pain and stiffness develop as bone rubs on bone. Treatment is generally conservative, involving exercises, over the counter medications and the application of heat.

Whiplash: If the neck is rapidly extended, usually the result of a motor vehicle accident, the internal muscle can be torn or strained. This injury causes significant pain and stiffness but is quite treatable.

Muscle Strain: Muscle strains of the neck are very common. Poor posture leads to a head forward position that places a great deal of strain on the neck muscles.

You don't have to live with neck pain. If you are experiencing any form of neck pain and it doesn't respond to home treatment within a day or two, consult with your primary care provider. There are many options for treatment.