What is Torticollis Treatment?

Torticollis treatment is a treatment plan which is designed to relieve or resolve cervical dystonia, also known as torticollis or wry neck. This condition causes people to pull their necks to one side. While it can cause pain and discomfort in the short term, in the long term, it can lead to permanent damage, and the patient's neck may be permanently twisted or crooked. There are several approaches to torticollis treatment, including alternative medical therapies which can be highly effective.

Torticollis may be classified as acute, meaning that it has a sudden onset, or spasmodic, in the case of patients with chronic torticollis which is usually caused by a genetic abnormality. In both cases, the muscles in the neck shorten or contract, pulling the head and neck to one side. Torticollis can be painful, and it often onsets as a simple stiff or sore neck before developing into a more severe problem.

Developing a torticollis treatment plan usually starts with identifying the cause, as this can influence the treatment. If the condition is caused by the use of certain medications, for example, changing medications or altering a medication schedule can address the problem. Causes like a congenital case or trauma may require more intensive treatment.

For temporary relief, injections of botulinum toxin can be used. Patients may also benefit from muscle relaxers which will allow the contracted muscle to lengthen. For severe cases, surgery to cut the muscles may be used. Patients can also wear a corrective brace which slowly stretches the muscles in the neck and pulls the neck back into a normal position.

Physical therapy can be a highly effective treatment tool in torticollis treatment. Alternative practitioners may recommend massage to soften and lengthen the muscles, along with options like yoga to gently stretch the neck, or sessions of chiropractic to stretch the neck and increase muscle tone. Physical therapy with a more conventional approach, in which the patient is gently taken through stretches and exercises and given homework to do outside the physical therapy clinic, can also be highly beneficial.

It is important to treat torticollis, because it can get worse over time. Torticollis treatment does not have to be expensive, and it will significantly improve quality of life and comfort for the patient, especially in the long term. Patients should be aware that cervical dystonia can set in at any age, and it is important to be aware of abnormal neck pain or difficulties keeping the neck in a neutral position.