Do you ever wake up with a really stiff and painful neck? Turning your head seems impossible because it feels “stuck”? Is it from the way I sleep or the pillow I use? Sounds like you may have Acute Wry Neck.

Acute wry neck, also known as Torticollis is a very common condition in people ages 12-30 years old. This is where the joints of the neck become stiff and painful which is generally accompanied by local muscle spasm. The neck feels “locked” into a particular position and range of motion is limited. This condition can be quite debilitating where simple movements such as turning your neck can cause severe pain. This condition in most cases is easily and effectively treated with physiotherapy. It is best to get an appointment on the same day to speed up the recovery.

The actual cause of the wry neck is unknown, and researchers have hypothesized many theories. The spine is connected to each other with facet joints at each level and there are two joints on either side. Sustaining an awkward position during sleep or a sudden jerky movement can irritate this joint and cause the muscles in the area to spasm.

Another potential cause of stiffness is from traumatic injury to the area or a slower build up with age related degeneration (arthritis).

Symptoms
Wry neck tends to have a specific group of symptoms which will help give you an idea if you’re suffering from this condition:

• Decrease in Movement: Your neck will tend to rest in an abnormal position where your head is rotated away from the side of the pain and flexed away. Turning your head to the same side of pain often irritates the joint as it compresses the the joint and surrounding tissues
• Pain - Generally localized to the affected side or can be central. Pain does not often refer elsewhere.
• Muscle guarding - Surrounding muscles tighten in response to pain, further limiting movement.

There are many contributing factors that can lead to acute wry neck. These include:

• Stiff neck and upper back joints
• Lack of movement or daily exercise
• Poor ergonomics
• Poor sleeping position
• Muscle tightness and weakness

The biggest take home message for Wry Neck would be to keep your neck moving. Many people that I see are afraid of moving fearing that they will do more harm. During that period where the neck hasn’t been moving freely, the muscles in the area begin to weaken and compensatory movements have developed. The earlier you start restoring normal movement the faster the recovery will be. See below for things you can implement right now

Self-management Advice:

• Stay active and keep doing activities within your pain limits (where your pain isn’t further exacerbated after performing the activity).
• Keep the neck moving within pain limits
• Use heat instead of ice
• Avoid neck braces or collars

If you or anyone you know currently has a stiff neck or experiences neck pain, then contact us to break the cycle of neck pain and stop living your life in discomfort. Put in your email below for a guide to fast track your stiff neck.