What is Spasmodic Torticollis?
Spasmodic torticollis, also known as wry neck or cervical dystonia, is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms and abnormal twisting of the neck. The condition is more common in women and can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve or muscle injury, genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Spasmodic Torticollis
Early indicators of spasmodic torticollis can be subtle and include mild pain, stiffness, and tremors in the neck. Over time, these initial signs can become increasingly pronounced, with more advanced symptoms including involuntary spasms and chronic cramping in the neck. Left untreated, spasmodic torticollis often leads to the development of painful muscle knotting, limited range of motion, and a tilted or twisted head position.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Spasmodic Torticollis
The upper cervical spine and the surrounding musculature of the neck play a crucial role in maintaining and supporting the position of the head. When the upper cervical spine is pushed out of its natural alignment, the misaligned vertebrae can begin to compress the muscles in the neck. If the underlying misalignment is not addressed, these key stabilizing muscles can become increasingly irritated, inflamed, and taut, potentially leading to muscle spasms, chronic cramping, and gradual changes in the resting position of the neck and head.
How Our Natural Spasmodic Torticollis Treatment Works
The Blair Chiropractic Technique is a progressive form of chiropractic care that places emphasis on using gentle, non-invasive correction techniques to treat conditions like spasmodic torticollis.
During your first visit with a Blair Chiropractic specialist, your practitioner will conduct a thorough examination of your upper cervical spine. This initial examination is used to determine the health of your spinal column and identify any potential trigger points that may be contributing to your spasmodic torticollis. The diagnostic process generally involves an imaging test, such as a cone-beam computed tomography scan or an X-ray, to pinpoint the exact location and angle of any misalignments in the upper cervical vertebrae.
If your Blair practitioner locates a misalignment, they will perform a series of Blair Chiropractic adjustments to gently guide the affected vertebra back into natural alignment. Unlike traditional chiropractic treatment, this technique doesn’t involve any painful cracking, twisting, or pulling of the joints.
By realigning the spinal column, the strain on the surrounding neck muscles will gradually be reduced, alleviating muscle spasms, and allowing the neck to return to its natural position. This process may be repeated over several sessions depending on the severity of your condition.
