Torticollis - What You Need to Know

The muscles in your neck are in uncontrollableworse. For certain patients torticollis can be a
spasms, and your head is twisted to one side. Youdebillatating condition that leads to depression.
suffer from pain daily and sometimes that painThere is no cure for torticollis but there are different
radiates into your shoulders. You may have torticollis,treatment options. Some people take different
also called spasmodic torticollis or cervical dystonia.medications, pain relievers and may get routine
Torticollis is a disorder where the neck musclesmassage to help relax muscles and relieve discomfort.
contract uncontrollably, causing the head to beOthers go a more holistic route using acupunture and
twisted or turned in various positions. Sometimes areike therapies. While others will opt for surgery.
jerking of the head will also occur. This condition isCurrently there are two different brain surgeries for
usually painful and certain activities such as standingtorticollis:one called "lesioning procedures", which
and walking can make spasms worse, making eveninvolves destruction of targeted, abnormal brain
simple tasks difficult. Severe headaches are nottissue and the other is called "deep brain stimulation"
unusual with torticollis.which mimics the effects of lesioning using electrical
While anyone can get this condition it is moreimpulses.
common in middle aged females, usually betweenIf this condition is affecting you, see your doctor,
35-60 years old. Symptoms usually begin graduallytake care of yourself and take heart-there is plenty
then plateau to a place where they don't get anyof hope and help on the way!