Wry Neck (torticollis) Treatment
Wry neck (torticollis) is a health condition where you develop a stiff and painful neck. You will feel as though your neck is “stuck” in one position with a limited range of motion. Actually, this is a protective reaction by your body to minimise movement and safeguard your neck.
You may find it difficult to turn your head towards the direction of the pain. This condition can be the result of neck muscle spasms that pull your head to one side while your chin shifts in the opposite direction. In some cases, muscle spasms will cause your head to jerk, twist or shake uncontrollably.
The causes of wry neck:
- a neck injury from a sudden jerk or flick
- carrying a heavy load on one side of your body
- a cold or viral infection
- swollen lymph nodes
- falling asleep with your neck in an awkward position
- poor posture for long periods of time (e.g. work situations)
- congenital
- discogenic (spinal disc bulge)
It is advisable for you to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis of your wry neck condition. Treatment varies according to the cause. Wry neck, or torticollis, can be acute or chronic health condition.
If you have an acute wry neck condition as a result of muscle injury, and it has not recovered within 24-48 hours, massage therapy may be beneficial. Early treatment can shorten the duration and lessen the complications of a wry neck condition.
Treatment
At Massage Philosophy, your massage therapist can help relieve your neck spasms and pain in the event of acute torticollis.
They may use massage techniques – such as gentle massage, trigger points, warmth, traction and passive stretching – in order to loosen, relax, release and mobilise the affected muscles in your neck.