Torticollis: what it is, causes and treatment

What is torticollis

Torticollis is a condition of the neck characterized by contracture of the muscles that limits the rotational movements of the head. This condition can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. It can also be the result of an injury to the neck muscles or blood supply. Torticollis sometimes disappears without treatment. However, there is a greater chance of recurrence.

Types of torticollis

Temporary torticollis

This type of torticollis usually disappears after a day or two. It can occur due to:

• some inflamed lymph nodes
• an ear infection
• a cold
• an injury to the head or neck that causes inflammation

Fixed torticollis

Fixed torticollis is also called acute torticollis or permanent torticollis. It is usually due to a problem with muscle or bone structure.

Muscular torticollis

This is the most common type of fixed torticollis. It results from scars or tight muscles on one side of the neck.

Klippel-Feil syndrome

This is a rare, congenital form of torticollis. It occurs when the bones in the baby’s neck are formed incorrectly, mainly due to the fusion of two vertebrae in the neck. Children born with this condition may have difficulty hearing and seeing.

Cervical dystonia

This disorder is rare and is sometimes called spasmodic torticollis. It causes the neck muscles to contract into spasms. If you have cervical dystonia, your head twists or turns painfully to one side. It can also tilt forward or backward.

Causes of torticollis

• Sleeping in an awkward or unnatural posture for the head and neck
• Falls or blows that force the head to turn to one side
• Repeated twisting of the head to one side during activity such as swimming
• Uncomfortable or unnatural posture of the neck and head for a long time (for example, sitting in front of a computer with the neck always contractured)
• Prolonged anxiety or stress, which causes neck tension

“The current blew me away and stiffened my throat”

Due to temperature differences, the neck muscles contract very hard and torticollis can occur. 

The expression “the current blew me and stiffened my throat” is not entirely true according to the doctors. The current can amplify an already existing condition, such as spondylosis, but it cannot give rise to a completely new pain.

Treatments for torticollis

There is currently no way to prevent this condition. However, rapid treatment can prevent it from getting worse.

• Heat application
• Physical Therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Massage therapy
• An alternative application of heat and cold

Massage – treatment for torticollis

The massage should begin with a series of more intense movements to give the external tissue time to relax and stretch before more intense movements. By relaxing the outer tissue first, the deeper tissue will be easier to fix and painless. By doing this, each layer of tissue and muscle will be softened and stretched.

While the neck muscles relax, the massage will continue by stretching the neck to move in its full range of motion. Once the muscles of the neck are more relaxed, pain trigger points can be found. On these points, it is recommended to apply pressure for a few seconds, and relax for a few seconds.

Breo massage devices are easy to use wherever you are! You can choose the intensity and more than that, they have a heat function. For the neck area, Breo has created 3 devices: iNeck 2, iNeck 3 and iNeck Air. 

iNeck 3 is the most high-performance massage device available to anyone, anywhere. The complex technology concentrated in last generation device for neck massage will provide complete comfort wherever you are. iNeck3 has an optimal level of head and neck support, so you can deeply relax both mentally and physically. The omnidirectional mobile massage modules built into iNeck 3 perform a complete neck massage. All you have to do to start the massage is to open our mobile app and choose the type of massage you want!

iNeck 2 is designed based on the principles of Shiatsu massage. It helps to eliminate pain, tension and muscle spasms of the neck and cervical area with the help of deeply adjustable massage knots. This device allows a more relaxing massage through the built-in technology that adds extra soothing heat with the help of infrared technology.

iNeck Air offers a complete massage technology of advanced pressure of the built-in devices, and the heating of the massaged area is the bonus sought by so many of us. At the touch of a button, relaxation can turn into a restful and soothing sleep.

How can you prevent this condition?

This condition can prevent you from performing daily tasks in a comfortable way or not at all. In most cases, exercises focused on the neck and neck area help prevent the discomfort of this condition by strengthening the muscles that help maintain posture.

One of the exercises that help to release tension from the muscles that run on the back and sides of the neck is the following:

Step 1: While sitting at the counter, put your right hand on the back of your neck. Hold the edge of the countertop with your left hand.

Step 2: Slowly turn your head about 45 degrees to the right and then look down. You should feel a stretch in your neck and shoulders.

Step 3: If you can, use your right arm to gently press your head to deepen the stretch. Hold for up to 40 seconds.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of the neck.

Another exercise that helps to relax the muscles in the area prone to torticollis is this:

Step 1: Stand up straight and join your fingers behind your head. Stretch your elbows outward.

Step 2: Slowly turn your head to one side. Keep your shoulders and arms still.

Step 3: When you feel a stretch in your neck, hold your position for thirty seconds, then release yourself back to a neutral position.

Repeat this three to five times a day for both sides of the neck.

Once you feel comfortable doing this exercise on your own, you can add resistance to it. Lie on your side with your head on a pillow. Gently turn your head toward the pillow and push your face into it, then hold this position for thirty seconds.

Torticollis is often painful and can cause twitching, twisting and other awkward neck postures. Prevention of this condition is desirable, especially for people who spend a lot of time in an unfavourable position in the area.

Massage is one of the most effective methods of treating torticollis given that it relaxes the muscles in depth. It is a short-timed way to treat the condition but done regularly, it is a method that can prevent the occurrence of this condition in an aggressive way.