Torticollis / Cervical Dystonia How Osteopathy Can Help What is Cervical Dystonia? Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) is a condition that causes the muscles in your neck to contract. It causes involuntary movements of your head and neck, like bending and turning where you feel “stuck”. These movements can be acute and painful and may prevent you from participating in activities but are generally temporary. Cervical dystonia varies in severity and commonly affects men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, but it can happen at any age. Cervical dystonia can cause involuntary movements like: Spasms: Your muscles tighten, feel hard and can’t relax. Your muscles may twitch or make a jerking movement suddenly. Tremors: Certain parts of your body, like your arms, may shake uncontrollably. Involuntary movements can affect your posture. Posture changes with cervical dystonia may include: Rotating (turning) your head. Tilting (slightly moving at an angle) your head forward, backward or side to side. Bending (curving) your neck and head forward, backward or side to side. These movements can cause pain like that of a burning sensation in your shoulders and neck. You may also experience headaches with cervical dystonia. How can Osteopathic Treatment help with Torticollis / Cervical Dystonia? Osteopathy has been found to relieve symptoms of cervical dystonia, including tremors, muscle spasms, and neck stiffness. Our osteopaths will initially assess your entire body, including muscles, joints and general posture. By using various manipulation techniques, your osteopath can relieve muscle tightness and spasm, reduce stiffness in your joints, help strengthen stabilizers and enhance blood flow to the areas of discomfort. For patients suffering with cervical dystonia this treatment can reduce pain, aid your sleep and help get back to your regular activities. Book Online Meet the Team
