Remedies for Torticollis

Watch the video

• Watch the video on youtube

In jargon, the term torticollis refers to a transient "deformity" affecting the cervical spine. The disorder is characterized by an "abnormal position assumed by the head after a violent rotation or flexion of the neck.

Torticollis is responsible for muscle stiffness, neck pain, brachialgia and inability / inability to move, move or rotate the neck.

Muscular / osteoarticular torticollis - consequence of violent trauma, drafts, incorrect posture, whiplash, arthritis or rheumatism - is treated with therapeutic aids or surgical correction (for example in case of torticollis dependent on cervical hernia). muscular form, there is also the congenital variant of torticollis, which depends on retraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle or on bone malformations of the cervical vertebrae.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Torticollis; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. or pilates. Stress can in fact accentuate the neck pain caused by a stiff neck

Perform compresses on the sore neck. Start with fresh compresses first; after a couple of days it is suggested to make warm compresses

Apply the ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the sore neck. Cryotherapy helps reduce swelling, inflammation and pain

Perform specific physiotherapy massages on the cervical spine, practiced by expert and qualified personnel

Rest on a suitable mattress, which must not be too soft

In case of stiff neck, during the night rest, it is advisable to rest the head on an orthopedic pillow specific for cervical pain. Alternatively, sleep without a pillow with the orthopedic mattress only.

Osteopathic treatment, useful for relieving any nerve compromises at the cervical level

Correct any incorrect lifestyle habits (e.g. incorrect posture, positions of tension during sleep, etc.)

Seek immediate medical attention in the event of a sudden stiff neck that has no apparent cause. In such situations, an "ongoing viral infection is suspected."

Take medications only under prescription / medical advice

Combine drug therapy with physiotherapy massages performed by expert medical figures

Prefer solid chairs, so that the neck and back are supported

Roll a cloth over itself and place it behind your back, in the lumbar area. This remedy, useful for supporting the spine, is particularly suitable for patients suffering from stiff neck who, for work reasons, are forced to remain seated for a long time.

The pain deriving from stiff neck can be relieved by assuming a particular posture during office work: keep the head up and bend the chin slightly backwards.

Perfectly adjust the position of the computer screen: by doing so, you avoid turning your head or constantly shifting your gaze up or down the screen

cervical, it is recommended to contact a doctor immediately to start any conservative treatment as soon as possible

Tennis or power sport

Extend the application of the ice pack on the neck beyond the due time. To obtain the maximum therapeutic efficacy of the ice, it is recommended to remove it every 15-20 minutes, alternating with breaks of equal duration

Excessive intake of painkillers. Excessive and unregulated use of drugs can create serious side effects

Excessive rest: even too long rest does not help the stiff neck. In fact, an excess of rest favors the rigidity of the joints and muscles, which are already weakened in themselves. Rather, take a restful position for 30 minutes; then we recommend a walk or a light physiotherapy exercise, specific for the stiff neck

Lifting heavy loads on the occasion of neck pain

Tilt your head while typing on the computer. The screen should be adjusted to the right position

Perform the neck pain exercises quickly and with sudden movements. Such behavior can even aggravate a stiff neck

Giving aspirin to children under the age of 12: such behavior can cause serious side effects, such as Reye's syndrome, liver dysfunction and brain changes

Take milk and derivatives immediately after the administration of antibiotics such as tetracyclines: dairy products can inactivate the drug

with live lactic ferments or a probiotic in case of prolonged antibiotic therapy (to strengthen the immune defenses). We remember, in fact, that torticollis can also result from bacterial infections, requiring antibiotic therapy.

There is no scientific evidence that food relates to the improvement or worsening of stiff neck symptoms. It is recommended to follow a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in fat. treatment of torticollis derived from cervical disc herniation or malformative pathologies), it is recommended to follow a light and balanced diet, suggested by the nutritionist or a competent health professional.

with transient congesting effect):

• Chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) → rubefacient, antibacterial, analgesic properties
• Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) → rubefacient properties
• Arnica (Arnica montana L) → anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, revulsive and analgesic properties

The application of creams with a rubefacient action can be accompanied by the administration of herbal teas with a relaxing and anxiolytic action. Patients suffering from stiff neck are in fact stressed and find it difficult to fall asleep. The most suitable natural remedies for this purpose are:

• Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) → mild anxiolytic and sedative properties
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) → hypnotic, anticonvulsive, sedative properties of the central nervous system
• Melissa (Melissa officinalis) → antispasmodic, sedative properties
• Escolzia (Eschscholtzia californica) → sedative, hypno-inducing, analgesic, relaxing, antineuralgic and spasmolytic

and brachialgia resulting from torticollis, and favor the restoration of complete motility of the neck. For this purpose, the most used drugs in therapy are:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
  • Ibuprofen (eg. Brufen, Moment, Subitene)
  • Acetylsalicylic acid (eg. Aspirin, salicin, Vivin C, Ascriptin)
  • Naproxene (Aleve, Naprosyn, Prexan, Naprius)
• Muscle relaxants: excellent remedy to calm the muscle spasms generated by the stiff neck:
  • Diazepam (Micropam, Ansiolin, Diazepam FN, Valpinax)
  • Cyclobenzaprine (eg Flexiban)
• Corticosteroid drugs: they exert a powerful anti-inflammatory activity:
  • Prednisone (eg. Deltacortene, Lodotra)
  • Methylprednisolone (e.g., Solu-medrol, Depo-medrol, Medrol, Urbason)
• Opioid pain relievers: when the pain is too intense. They are taken orally.
  • Hydrocodone: for example Vicodin (not sold in Italy).
• Botulinum toxin: indicated to remedy a stiff neck spastic (cervical dystonia)

and cold, always leave the house with the scarf to avoid cold shocks

Assume correct positions during the night's rest. It is advisable not to sleep in the prone position, rather to prefer the "fetal" position (on the side, with the knees bent towards the chest)

Do not leave the house with wet or damp hair

Avoid sudden and violent movements during the neck movement

: alternative remedy useful for relieving pain deriving from stiff neck

Discectomy is indicated to treat torticollis dependent on a "cervical hernia."

Oxygen-ozone therapy: indicated for torticollis dependent on cervical hernia. The therapy consists in the introduction of an oxygen / ozone mixture in the interdiscal area. Ozone, exercising a moderate anti-inflammatory power, reduces disc pressure and relieves pain

Congenital torticollis requires surgery to correct the abnormality. The choice of one surgical procedure over another depends on the triggering disease.