Torticollis is a contracture of the neck muscles, which may be due to improper posture or movement, or be associated with other health problems.
The most obvious and striking symptom in torticollis is the inability to move the neck normally. In addition, there is often pain that worsens with movement, and neck stiffness is typical.
It can also happen from using the phone inappropriately, holding it between the shoulder and the head. This form of acquired torticollis can also appear after direct or indirect trauma. For example, the typical whiplash injury in a rear-end traffic accident can cause torticollis. Other times sudden sports gestures are the cause of the muscle injury that produces torticollis. Local bacterial infections or infections of the central nervous system are also occasionally a cause of torticollis.
Depending on the position of the head, different types of torticollis are distinguished:
- Laterocollis: the head is tilted towards one shoulder.
- Rotational torticollis: the head turns to one side in the longitudinal axis.
- Anterocollis: the head and neck are tilted forward.
- Retrocollis: the head and neck extend backwards.
There is a form of torticollis that is considered secondary to stress and anxiety called psychogenic spasmodic torticollis. In this syndrome spasmodic crises of the neck muscles appear, usually accompanied by intense headache, dizziness and muscle contractures, and pain in other locations of the body such as the lower back.
While the symptoms of torticollis last, several treatment measures can be carried out at home, such as applying heat and taking analgesics and anti-inflammatories in case of severe pain. The use of muscle relaxants may provide some relief, but they have many undesirable side effects and should always be prescribed by a doctor. Taking magnesium orally, at a medium or high dose, can also provide relief.
Common torticollis can be prevented by avoiding poor posture when sleeping, working on the computer, or talking on the phone. It is advisable to avoid very sudden movements of the neck. Of course, the excess stress of today’s lifestyle does not help prevent torticollis, so various relaxation and stretching techniques can help prevent its appearance.
