Torticollis is a muscle spasm in the neck. Although benign, torticollis can be very painful and debilitating. Symptoms are usually described as severe stiffness in the neck or an inability to move the head normally.
In reality, true torticollis is a very rare mechanical condition that is not usually painful, but muscle spasms may develop over time. Facet syndrome (posterior joint of the spine) is an inflammation of the rear part connecting two vertebrae called facets. Proper neck rotation requires optimal functioning of the bones, tendons, and muscles.
Chiropractic adjustment may be a necessary solution to relieve your neck in case of injury and restore its normal range of motion. The facet joints are covered by a supporting membrane called the capsule.
Following prolonged or sudden stretching, the capsule may stretch and cause inflammation that quickly spreads to the space reserved for the nerves at the exit of the vertebrae. As the movement of the nerve roots is greatly reduced and the roots are not elastic, any movement of the head in their direction will cause sharp pain. To reduce the pain, you will usually try to keep your head tilted toward the side that is less painful.
Causes
Torticollis is usually caused by excessive contraction of one or more muscles. The presence of torticollis is a sign that there is a dysfunction in the interaction between the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. If the nervous system is not functioning normally, this results in increased muscle tension, known as muscle spasm. This is a protective mechanism that the nervous system puts in place to prevent further injury.
Anyone can suffer from this spinal condition at some point in their life. Prolonged sleeping on your stomach, napping on the couch (with the neck at a 45-degree angle), a violent fall, work that causes the neck to hyperextend (bend backward), such as painting ceilings, or restricted movement caused by the presence of vertebral subluxation complex (VSC) can all be causes of facet syndrome.
Prevention
Torticollis can be prevented by maintaining good posture at work and avoiding repetitive movements. Sleeping in the correct position, on your back or side, will promote optimal neck alignment during sleep. Spinal adjustment can also improve spinal mobility and thus prevent muscle spasms.
Treatment
Torticollis does not go away without treatment. Applying ice for 5 to 10 minutes at a time to the painful area will reduce joint and/or muscle inflammation. Contrary to popular belief, the most effective treatment is not mobilization, but spinal adjustments (movements). Isometric muscle contractions (contracting the muscle against resistance) on the left and right sides of the neck can relieve muscle tension and spasms. Chiropractors are qualified to diagnose torticollis. The chiropractic approach aims to reduce muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation. Treatment focuses on restoring mobility to your neck and re-educating the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.
Tips
- Apply ice to the painful area as soon as possible for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
- Avoid drafts, which can increase muscle tension, by keeping your neck warm with a scarf or shawl.
- Do isometric exercises for the neck muscles (3 to 5 times for 6 seconds at a time).
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