WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Torticollis (TOR-tih-COLL-is) is a spasm or shortening of
the muscles on one side of the neck. A few people are born with
the problem, but this is rare. Most often it develops between
the ages of 30 and 60 years. It tends to run in families; and
women are more likely to get it than men. Healing time may take
as long as 5 years, depending on how bad the condition is and
what caused it. The problem is also referred to as
""wryneck.''
Causes
Torticollis may suddenly develop
without any accident or injury. You may never know what
triggered the pain: It may simply be there when you wake up one
morning. Torticollis occasionally results from sleeping on a
new bed or new pillow, or on the sofa. The pain sometimes
develops gradually over many days.
Signs/Symptoms
The tight muscles on one side of
the neck produce neck pain and cause the head to bend and turn
to one side. You may find that it hurts to turn your
head.
Care
The doctor may take an x-ray, CT
scan, or MRI of the neck to make sure nothing else is causing
your pain. The doctor may prescribe medications to relax the
muscles, and a neck brace or soft collar to keep your neck from
moving. You may need to have surgery on these muscles if the
torticollis is severe.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Reduce your activity until the pain abates; rest in
bed if needed (your doctor will tell you how long). When
you get the go-ahead from the doctor, you can resume your
normal activity.
-
After the first 1 or 2 days, you may put heat on the
area to help ease the pain. You may use a heating pad (set
on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels. Apply the
heat for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. Continue to do this
for 48 hours.
-
Your doctor can show you how to massage the neck to
ease the pain. The doctor can also suggest muscle
stretching exercises. Do them regularly as
directed.
-
If the doctor prescribes a neck brace, continue
wearing it until your neck no longer
hurts.
-
Do not drink or drive while taking pain killers or
muscle relaxants. Take your medicine exactly as directed.
If you feel it is not helping, call your
doctor.
-
To keep the neck pain from getting
worse:
-
Avoid sleeping in unusual
positions.
-
Avoid stressful situations.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your neck pain lasts longer than 1
week.
-
You have pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in
your arms or face.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have trouble breathing or swallowing, or your
voice gets hoarse.
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