Acute torticollis – causes, symptoms & therapy

While a torticollis can be congenital, acute torticollis is an acquired deformity. This usually occurs at night and manifests itself in the morning as tension and pain in the neck and neck region. The malposition of the head resulting from the torticollis can take on different dimensions. So it is possible that the head tilts too far towards the shoulder, forwards or backwards to the sides.

In most cases, patients suffer from a combination of the deformities. The deformity affects the entire posture and causes a crooked appearance. If the symptoms do not improve after three days and if the cause of the symptoms is unclear to those affected, they should consult a doctor.

causes

The causes of acute obliquity can be very different. The posture adopted can represent the body’s own protective mechanism, which is used when bad posture causes severe muscle tension. In order not to further irritate the stressed muscle, the resulting torticollis is a relieving posture.The head can be turned without pain to a certain extent. During the day, movements that go beyond the freedom of movement of the cervical spine are avoided. At night, however, it can happen that the radius is unconsciously exceeded, causing the muscles to cramp. In general, the body reacts to overload by contracting the muscles in order to protect the joints as well. The most common cause of overuse is poor posture or overuse.

Cervical spine syndrome is also possible. As part of this disease, certain nerves are irritated, causing the patient to adopt a relieving posture to avoid them. At the same time, this relieving posture is accompanied by tensing of the muscles.

When to the doctor?

An acute torticollis always belongs in medical treatment. Because of this, symptoms such as neck tension, neck pain, muscle tension and shoulder pain should be consulted with a doctor. In addition, acute torticollis is characterized by inner restlessness, fatigue and dizziness. If there are additional signs such as nausea, a visit to the doctor is essential.

If those affected are no longer able to hold a straight posture due to their pain and blockages, they should consult a doctor. If the symptoms are accompanied by migraine attacks and blurred vision , do not hesitate to contact a doctor. As soon as those affected notice that their head is turned or tilted towards the shoulder, a doctor’s visit is necessary. A head tilted forwards or backwards also needs to be medically clarified. If there are additional communication difficulties, the acute torticollis must be treated by a doctor.

If those affected notice a rhythmic and sometimes violent movement, a doctor should also be consulted. A specialist should also be consulted if the axis between the head and the body is misaligned. This leads to an elevated shoulder, which must be treated medically.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of acute torticollis:

• Neck tension (stiff neck)

• neck pain

• muscle tension

• Inner unrest

• fatigue

• dizziness

• nausea

The acute torticollis manifests itself in particular through the altered stature. Those affected are unable to adopt a healthy posture due to pain and blockages. In addition, the tension triggers pain. In most cases, cervical spine syndrome is accompanied by other symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, migraine attacks, dizziness, nausea and blurred vision.

The course of acute torticollis also depends on the underlying cause. Cervical spine syndrome can take three weeks to heal before tension and other discomfort subside. Persistence of pain beyond this time frame is also possible and is also largely related to the reason that triggered the syndrome. If tension has caused the discomfort, it can subside within hours or days. In general, an acute torticollis can usually be treated well, so that the freedom of movement of those affected is not permanently restricted.

Diagnose

The diagnosis initially includes a detailed discussion in which it should be described how long the symptoms have existed and how intense the pain is. It is also important to provide information about unusual movements. The malposition of the head and palpation of the muscles are usually sufficient for the diagnosis . If this is tense and is accompanied by a changed posture at the same time, there is a high probability of acute torticollis. If there are other symptoms that are classic for cervical spine syndrome, tests must be carried out to confirm the suspicion before therapy can begin.

complications

Since an acute torticollis (torticollis) can occur for different reasons, there are also different reasons for complications. One of the most common complications of acute torticollis is failure to reverse successfully. This complication is relatively common. Acute torticollis itself, however, occurs rather rarely. It is itself a complication, the cause of which lies in muscular, inflammatory or spinal processes. Some forms of osseous torticollis can be surgically improved. However, they cannot always be remedied.

Complications from acute torticollis also occur if antibiotic treatment does not work sufficiently for inflammatory processes in the throat. In this case, torticollus infectosus can worsen. To rule out such complications, tonsillitis or inflamed lymph glands should be treated professionally.

When someone develops an abscess during the course of tonsillitis , torticollus infectosus itself is a complication. If left untreated, the condition worsens. A medical emergency may occur as a complication. The abscess often has to be surgically opened. This is followed by antibiotic treatment. Complications from acute torticollis in newborns can include damage to the head nod muscle, which has not yet developed properly, during the birth process. As a result, swelling of the head nod can occur. These will disappear on their own within six months.

treatment and therapy

This ultimately depends on the underlying cause. In the case of tension, it is often not necessary to start a special treatment. In many cases, minor tensions will resolve themselves within a short period of time. In the case of intense tension, however, medical treatment is unavoidable in order to restore the range of motion. Specifically trained doctors and physiotherapists help the patient to regain mobility. It is important that the movements are carried out carefully and not forced. Independent exercises should initially be avoided.

Certain grip and stretching techniques ensure that the blockages in the vertebral joints are loosened. It is possible that the pain is too severe at the beginning to use such a therapy. If time does not alleviate the pain or if individual muscles are tense to a very high degree, anesthetics can help. Those affected also often receive a painkiller , especially to be able to sleep at night. This is, for example, paracetamol .In the case of cervical spine syndrome, the cause must first be treated. At the same time, there are muscle tensions that should be released. A cotton bandage can be helpful. This ensures better blood circulation due to the heat generated and is perceived as pleasant.

prevention

Acute torticollis can be prevented by taking a number of measures. Adequate posture should be ensured during work, sport and when carrying heavy objects. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation in the muscles and general mobility. Using a suitable pillow and stretching the neck muscles is recommended. This actively prevents the shortening of the muscles.