Twisting of the neck to one side is medically referred to as Torticollis or wry neck. It is a common condition that occurs when the muscles that hold the neck and aid in its movement are affected. The symptoms may ease out naturally over a few days while it may require longer duration and medical treatment in severe cases. Twisted Neck is a commonly reported cause of pain in young people, although it may affect anybody irrespective of age or gender. The person may not necessarily have a past history of neck injury or pain.
Causes
- Acute Torticollis – It occurs when a ligament or muscle in the neck or shoulder is irritated or sprained
- Carrying heavy bags or load on the shoulder or in one hand
- Working long on the computer without maintaining a correct posture or eye view
- Exposure of the neck muscles to the cold
- Ear infection
- Not having adequate support under the head and neck while sleeping
- Cervical Dystonia- muscle spasms in the neck that occur in people above the age of 40 years. It leads to abnormal head and neck movements including Torticollis
- Sometimes upper throat infections can affect the lymph nodes that may lead to stiff neck and muscle spasms
- Cervical or head injury
- Damage to the blood vessels that flow through the neck
- Could be a side effect of some medications
- Congenital Defects- the head of the fetus may be wrongly positioned in the womb causing wry neck
Symptoms
- Pain on one side of the neck
- Stiffness in the neck
- Difficulty in turning the neck to the other side
- Inability to keep the neck straight
- The muscles on the affected side feel tender or swollen when touched
- The pain may radiate into the shoulders and upper back
- Tingling sensation in the neck
- The head and the chin may tilt in opposite directions
- Muscle spasms
Diagnosis
- Analysis of the symptoms and detailed examination of the neck
- X-ray and other tests may be suggested in case the doctor suspects a serious underlying cause for the existing condition
- EMG (electromyogram) test may be conducted to locate the affected muscles
Treatment
The symptoms of a twisted neck tend to improve naturally within 24-48 hours. In case they persist longer, the following treatment options may be employed.
- Some gentle neck exercises may promote movement and flexibility. These may reduce the stiffness
- Anti-inflammatory medicines and muscle relaxants may be prescribed
- If the pain is severe in the initial phase, resting the neck for a day or two may be required.
- Driving should be avoided
- Some patients may find relief by use of heat pads
- Gentle traction may be applied
- Maintain a good posture at work and while standing, sitting or walking
- Use a firm pillow while sleeping
- In case of Cervical Dystonia, some medicines may be injected into the neck to paralyze the muscles and stop pain/ spasms
- Surgery may be recommended if the condition becomes chronic. The procedure aims at lengthening muscles, cutting nerves (to interrupt signals) and fusing some vertebrae in the neck.
