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Twisted Neck
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Twisted neck is a type of disorder that exhibit flexion, extension, or twisting of muscles of the neck beyond their normal position. It is also known as torticollis.
Neck pain, stiff or twisted neck is a common problem and generally nothing to worry about because the pain and stiffness usually gets better after a few days or weeks, and is rarely a sign of a more serious problem.
If you have had neck pain or stiffness that does not go away with time, feel free to visit our experienced neck surgeons in Kenya at NSOC. They provide a proper evaluation and treatment for your twisted neck to help you embark your normal activities.
What are the signs and symptoms of a twisted neck?
Because torticollis is an abnormal contraction of the muscle in one side of the neck, people will appear with their head turned to one side.
Neck muscles and those between the neck and shoulder will be tense and tender.
Attacks of benign torticollis in infants may also be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, irritability, and drowsiness.
If you develop trouble breathing or swallowing, urinary or fecal incontinence, mouth or touch swelling, fever, weakness in your arms and legs, you should seek immediate medical help as these symptoms suggest injury or irritation to the central nervous system.
Causes and risk factors of a twisted neck?
Sitting or sleeping in an unusual position without adequate neck support.
Poor posture when looking at a computer screen.
Trauma to the neck or spine can lead to a twisted neck. Injuries to the cervical spine or neck muscles often result in spasm of the muscles, leading to the twisting of the head.
Other causes include infection of the head or neck. These infections can cause an inflammatory torticollis secondary to inflamed glands and lymph nodes in the neck. Other infections such as sinuses,ears, jaw, teeth can also lead to a twisted neck.
Certain drugs of abuse such as cocaine can cause acute dystonia – a lack of normal muscle control,that involves the sudden onset of involuntary contractions of the muscles of the face, neck, or back.
Children, infants, and newborns may also acquire torticollis from congenital causes or trauma due to childbirth. Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is the most common cause of torticollis in infants. It is a postural physical deformity present at birth that results from a shortening and fibrosis of the muscle on one side of the neck.
Risk factors for twisted neck include a family history of the disorder, congenital abnormalities of the cervical spine, taking drugs that predispose to muscular spasm, and trauma.
Diagnosis of a twisted neck
Your neck specialist will perform a comprehensive physical examination and check for other conditions that can cause symptoms of a twisted neck.
When there is a history of trauma, the doctor may take X-rays of your neck to exclude a fracture or dislocation of the spinal bones in your neck.
In a small number of cases, subtle abnormalities or preexisting conditions, for example, degenerative arthritis of the spine or of the neck may require a CT scan.
What is the treatment for twisted neck?
Treatment for a twisted neck is targeted to relax the contracted neck muscles involved. Treatments include medication, physical devices, physical therapy and stretching exercises.
Physical therapy is often a primary treatment for torticollis and you may see a physical therapist or occupational therapist to help work on stretching and strength exercises.
In most people, twisted neck resolves in several days to a few weeks.
Some other treatments include:
- A good posture. Keeping a regular check on your posture may help. Make sure that your sitting position at work or at the computer is not poor. It is important to ensure that your head is not flexed forward and also that your back is not stooped when you are sitting and working.
- A firm supporting pillow. This seems to help some people when sleeping. Try not to use more than one pillow.
- Heat packs. These can help relax the stiffness in the affected muscles and are useful for some people
You are in Great Hands
Is surgery an option for a twisted neck?
If nonsurgical options do not correct the torticollis, your doctor may suggest surgery.
The procedure will lengthen the short sternocleidomastoid muscle, and may be done as a day surgery, meaning you could go home the same day.
A wry neck (acute torticollis) often improves within 24-48 hours. However, it may take up to a week for the symptoms to go completely.
Occasionally, the symptoms last longer or come back at a later time for no apparent reason. Most people who have had a twisted neck do not have it again in the future.