Torticollis

Back Pain Slideshow

• Torticollis Overview
• Torticollis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Torticollis Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• Authors and Editors

Torticollis Overview

Torticollis is one of a broader category of disorders that exhibit flexion, extension, or twisting of muscles of the neck beyond their normal position. In torticollis your neck tends to twist to one side. The condition can either develop slowly if you have a family history of the disorder, acutely from trauma, or as an adverse reaction to medications.

When the disorder occurs in people with a family history, it is referred to as spasmodic torticollis. The characteristic twisting of the neck is initially spasmodic and begins between ages 31-50 years. If you leave the condition untreated, it likely will become permanent.

Bending or twisting your neck too far can lead to acute torticollis. This condition appears with few symptoms, although often you will appear uncomfortable and will hold your head straight or rotated to one side. It will hurt to move your head to the opposite side. Your neck muscles on the side that hurts often are tender to the touch. The doctor will check your nerve and motor function to rule out spinal cord injury.

Certain drugs of abuse such as ketamine, amphetamines, and cocaine as well as commonly prescribed neuroleptic drugs such as prochlorperazine (Compazine), haloperidol (Haldol), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine) can cause acute dystonia (a lack of normal muscle control). This is a condition that involves the sudden onset of involuntary contractions of the muscles of the face, neck, or back. In addition to bending of the head to one side (acute torticollis), you may experience deviation of the eyes (oculogyric crisis) and protrusion of the tongue (buccolingual crisis).