Neck Pain - Torticollis

• Torticollis is acute muscular spasms in the neck and shoulder area. The reason people get this is unknown. It is associated with the draft on your neck or when the temperature outside is changing from cool the warm or warm to cool. It is extremely painful and sends many people to the emergency room. It can cause your head to turn to one side.

• Imaging is not generally helpful and generally the acute pain of torticollis can be broken in the first three to four treatments. Generally, three treatments on consecutive days can break the cycle. Sometimes the cycle can last two weeks but this is less common. This is not to say you will be pain free after the acute phase is over but you should be able to get back to your regular activities fairly quickly.

• Home care is especially important. Rest, gentle movements and using ice or heat at home can greatly shorten duration.