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When to Seek Medical Care

In general, acute torticollis is not life threatening. If symptoms are limited to muscle stiffness and pain, see your doctor in at least a day.

If you injure your neck but cannot reach your doctor, go immediately to a hospital's emergency department. Other medical conditions may appear to be torticollis and will need immediate medical attention. For example, anyone who experiences spasms of the neck muscles involved with swallowing or breathing or symptoms that might involve the central nervous system should be evaluated.

The following symptoms suggest injury or irritation to the central nervous system:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
  
  
• Pins-and-needles feeling or numbness in your arms and legs
  
  
• Urinary hesitancy, urinary or fecal incontinence
  
  
• Weakness in your arms and legs
  
  
• Impaired speech
  
  
• Difficulty walking