Torticollis, or wryneck, is a medical condition characterized by sustained involuntary contraction of neck muscles, which causes the head to tilt to one side. The condition may develop over time due to improper sleeping posture, or can also occur in response to an injury or a reaction to medication. However, in some rare cases, it can be genetic as well.
When torticollis occurs in people with a family history, it is referred to as cervical dystonia or spasmodic torticollis.
People affected by torticollis find it difficult to perform daily tasks. Depending on the severity of their condition, they may even experience extreme pain when trying to move their head around.
Fortunately, there are therapies, medications and exercises that can help relieve the pain and stiffness associated with torticollis.
Below we take a look at few of these treatment options.
Therapies
Effective therapies for torticollis include:
Application of heat
The application of heat helps loosen the tight muscles in your neck. It should be done at least once a day or as advised by the doctor.
Massage therapy
Regular massage sessions work wonders for patients who have acute torticollis.
Surgery
This option is only reserved for special cases. During the surgery, the surgeon selectively severs some of the muscles and/or nerves in your upper neck to prevent muscle spasm.
Medications
Common medications prescribed for the treatment of torticollis include:
Diphenhydramine
It is a first-generation H1 receptor antihistamine.
Benztropine
It is a tropane-based dopamine inhibitor, which reduces involuntary muscle activity.
Benzodiazepine
It is a muscle relaxant.
Both diphenhydramine and benzotropine are administered intravenously, while benzodiazepine is administered orally. For chronic cases, your doctor may prescribe injections of botulinum toxin in addition to the above medicines.
Exercises
Exercises for torticollis mainly target the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This muscle originates on the medial end of your collar bone and attaches to the bony protrusion behind your ear.
Neck rotations, chin tucks, wall neck side planks (make sure to use a mat) and head tilts are some of the common exercises used to treat torticollis.
Do you have torticollis?
At Movement Help, we treat torticollis patients using a combination of treatment methods. Our medical center is located in LA, California. So if you live nearby or are planning to visit the city in the future, feel free to drop by; our doctors would be pleased to review your case.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay blessed.
