Torticollis (wry neck)
Although uncomfortable and painful, torticollis is usually temporary and goes away after a few days. Find out what you can do to ease the pain.
Torticollis is a common cause of neck pain in young people and adults, and can also occur in children. It is not usually associated with a pre-existing neck injury or pain. It manifests as pain and muscle contraction on one side of the neck (cervical region), which may radiate to the shoulder, limiting head movements, especially those involving tilting or rotation.
This problem is usually caused by poor posture or sudden movements of the neck or back. The result is inflammation of the muscles, known as muscle contracture.
Symptoms of torticollis
The symptoms of torticollis vary from person to person, but in general include:
- pain and tension on one side of the neck, which may radiate to one of the shoulders;
- cramping or burning sensation in the neck;
- difficulty in straightening the head and moving it in certain directions;
- neck tilted to one side;
- a higher shoulder (a position that usually relieves pain);
- muscle swelling, caused by inflammation;
- muscle stiffness, associated with restricted movement;
- back pain and headache.
Symptoms usually disappear completely after a week, but you may experience significant relief within 1-2 days.
You should consult your doctor if…
If you experience any of the following symptoms associated with neck pain, you should contact your doctor immediately:
- unexplained worsening of pain;
- pain that does not go away after a week;
- numbness, tingling or prickling in the arms or legs;
- fever.
What are the most common causes?
The most common causes of torticollis are:
- poor sleeping position, e.g. with little head support;
- poor posture, such as when sitting at a desk;
- carrying suitcases or bags with different weights on each side;
- overexertion, e.g. when exercising or lifting weights.
Diagnosis
A physician from our clinical team will carry out a physical examination and investigate the cause of the pain. Additional tests may be needed, such as an x-ray or CT scan of the neck.
How to treat torticollis
Treatment for torticollis usually involves applying heat (for example, while showering) in a physiotherapy session, taking pain relief medication – such as painkillers, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories – and massage.
It is important to stay active, but avoid sudden movements for a day or two. Try to go about your daily life as normal.
Making circular movements with your neck and gently moving it back and forth and to each side to stretch the muscles can also help relieve discomfort and prevent muscle stiffness.
Be careful!
You should not drive vehicles while you are unable to turn or move turning your neck normally.
Can torticollis be prevented?
The answer is “yes”. To reduce the risk of getting a stiff neck, you should:
- improve your posture with stretching exercises, such as yoga or Pilates;
- at the workplace, adjust your chair and desk to your height. If necessary, use a footrest to align your knees and hips and bring the things you use most closer to you. This way you won’t have to twist or stretch to reach them;
- choose a pillow that provides good head support during sleep, preferably with just one pillow;
- when travelling in a car, adjust the headrest so that it supports your neck well.
Treatment of a torticollis should not begin without an initial medical assessment. Com Corpus has a large clinical team at its physiotherapy clinic in Lisbon to ensure proper communication between the physician and the physiotherapist who will treat you. You will need to make a physical and rehabilitation medicine or sports medicine appointment with one of our physiatrists for physiotherapy sessions at Com Corpus.
If you need treatment for torticollis, contact our physiotherapy clinics in Lisbon.
