Torticollis
Torticollis is a muscle spasm in the neck that occurs suddenly to protect the neck from another problem in its joints.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
What is torticollis?
Torticollis is a muscle spasm in the neck that occurs suddenly to protect the neck from another problem in its joints. It's as if your muscles are locking up to prevent your neck from moving and aggravating the problem.
Basically, it's your body's protective response. Your muscles contract strongly to immobilize your neck and keep it in a safe position. It's uncomfortable, but it's your body trying to protect you.
If you want to better understand the different types of neck pain, check out our comprehensive guide on the subject.
What are the causes of torticollis?
There are several possible causes. In general, torticollis develops suddenly after a sudden movement of the neck. It can also occur after sleeping in an unusual position or after an accident (such as a fall or car accident).
Sometimes you wake up in the morning and your neck is stiff. You don't remember making a bad move, but maybe your pillow was in the wrong position during the night.
Torticollis can also occur after whiplash or other neck trauma. In these cases, the muscles contract to protect the injured structures.
What are the symptoms of torticollis?
The main symptoms are:
- Sudden onset of neck pain
- Difficulty turning the head (often one side is much more difficult than the other)
- Difficulty tilting the head to one side (often one side is much more difficult than the other)
- Muscle spasms in the neck
The pain is often constant and prevents you from performing your usual daily activities. For example, checking your blind spots while driving becomes very difficult. Bending forward to pick up an object from the floor is almost impossible.
It is also often very difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in at night, especially during the first few days. You wake up several times because you move and it hurts.
To better understandcervical anatomy and the structures involved in torticollis, consult our detailed resource.
10 mini-tips to understand your pain
Those who have had the greatest impact on my patients' lives. 1 per day, 2 min.
How is torticollis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made based on your symptom history and clinical examination. Your physical therapist or doctor will ask you questions about:
- How it started (suddenly or gradually)
- What you were doing when it happened
- Movements that hurt
- Positions that provide relief
Next, he or she will perform tests to assess your mobility and identify any muscles that are in spasm.
In general, you do not need an X-ray or imaging to diagnose torticollis. A clinical examination is sufficient in most cases.
When should you see a physiotherapist for torticollis?
You should consult a physical therapist if you have symptoms such as those described above. Especially if the pain prevents you from performing your daily activities normally.
You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physical therapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physical therapist will be able to tell you.
However, consult a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Weakness in the arms or hands
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever with stiff neck
These symptoms are rare, but they may indicate a more serious problem.
What physiotherapy treatments are available for torticollis?
Our guide to physical therapy for neck pain explains the available treatments in detail. Here's what you can expect during your consultation.
Your physical therapist will perform an assessment to determine the cause of the torticollis by evaluating the following:
- Your joint mobility
- The gliding of your nerves
- Your postural habits
- The quality of your movements
- Your strength and stability
Based on the results of the assessment, your physical therapist will:
- Mobilize the joints, muscles, and nerves in your neck to reduce pain and improve movement
- Give you specific exercises to do at home to address the cause of the problem and relieve pain
- Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
- Give you advice for your postural habits and movements
The good news is that most cases of torticollis improve quickly with the right treatment. In general, you should feel an improvement within the first few days.
Need professional advice?
Our physical therapists can assess your condition and offer you a personalized treatment plan.
Book an appointmentWhat can I do at home for torticollis?
Stop doing movements that cause too much pain temporarily. Gradually start doing them again as you feel better.
Here are some other tips that can help at home:
Move in comfortable movements:- Move your neck in movements that do not hurt at all.
- Do gentle neck stretches without pain.
- Never force yourself through pain.
- With a cushion under your armpit when you are seated
- With the armrests of a chair or sofa
- By putting your hand in your pants pocket while standing
It helps reduce tension in the neck muscles.
Take frequent breaks:- Limit the amount of time spent in the same position (computer, television, reading).
- Get up often for a few minutes to move your neck and shoulders a little.
- Change position regularly
- Ensure your neck is well supported while sleeping at night with a pillow that fills the hollow of your neck.
- Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided completely if you have a stiff neck.
- Try sleeping on your back or side.
If you see no improvement after 10 days, you should consult a physical therapist. In general, torticollis should begin to improve within the first few days with proper care.
Need professional advice?
If you have persistent neck pain that prevents you from carrying out your normal activities, our physical therapists can help you quickly. Visit our neck pain page to make an appointment at one of our clinics.
Sources
- Van Zundert J, Patijn J, Hartrick C, Lataster A, Huygen F, Mekhail N, van Kleef M, editors. Evidence-based interventional pain medicine: according to clinical diagnoses. John Wiley & Sons; 2011 Dec 12.
- Childs JD, Cleland JA, Elliott JM, Teyhen DS, Wainner RS, Whitman JM, Sopky BJ, Godges JJ, Flynn TW. CLINICAL GUIDELINES-Neck Pain: Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health From the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2008;38(9):A1.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
