What is Torticollis and How Can it be Treated?

Have you ever woke up and felt a severe tightness or kink in your neck? If so then you probably have experienced Torticollis. Torticollis, also known as cervical dystonia, is essentially when a muscle is contracting when really it should be resting.

Adults experience three types of torticollis:

• The mildest form is the sensation described above, in which the vertebral bodies or neck joints stack on top of each other and become “stuck” from being in one position for too long. Sometimes this condition will go away on its own. However, seeing a physical therapist early is recommended, because early treatment can improve outcomes.
• Torticollis can result from a traumatic event, such as a car accident or fall. After a car accident, a person might experience whiplash (head being thrown forwards or backwards due to excessive force) and then several days later might have significant onset of pain and stiffness. Much more severe than the first example, this one requires skilled care to resolve. A family doctor might refer a patient to an orthopedic doctor, who could prescribe additional imaging, medications or injections, or to a physical therapist, who will identify which muscles and joints are involved to resolve the patient’s symptoms.
• The third type of adult torticollis is idiopathic cervical dystonia, which is thought to be neurologic in nature. Researchers have linked it to chromosome 18p, which is believed to generate involuntary contractions or tightness of the neck muscles in people who have not experienced sustained postures or trauma. Although this condition is not curable, treatments for pain relief include botox injections, surgery and pharmacological therapy, each of which helps manage symptoms.

If Torticollis is causing you significant disability and disruption of daily lifestyle, contact one of our highly trained and experienced Physical Therapists for treatment options.