What is Spasmodic Torticollis?
Spasmodic torticollis is a painful and often debilitating condition that causes involuntary muscle spasms in the neck, resulting in the neck becoming twisted and the head tilting to the side. Also called wry neck or loxia, spasmodic torticollis is a gradual onset condition that usually presents in individuals between 30-40 years of age.
Signs and Symptoms of Spasmodic Torticollis
The most prominent symptom of spasmodic torticollis is the abnormal tilt or turn of the head and neck. This can be accompanied by involuntary head or neck movements, muscle spasms in the neck, tight and tense neck muscles, fatigue, and pain in the neck and shoulders. People with spasmodic torticollis may have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as driving or holding their head in a certain position for a prolonged period. In some cases, individuals may also have difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing due to muscle spasms.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Spasmodic Torticollis
The upper cervical spine, made up of seven stacked vertebrae, is the uppermost segment of the spinal column. It plays a vital role in maintaining and supporting the position of the head, relying on the surrounding musculature of the neck to provide a framework for support. When the upper cervical spine becomes misaligned due to trauma or injury, the misaligned vertebra can compress the muscles surrounding the neck. Over time, these key supporting muscles can become irritated and tight, pulling the neck out of its natural alignment and tilting the head carriage. Left untreated, increasing muscle tension in this region can ultimately lead to the involuntary movements and spasms characteristic of spasmodic torticollis.
How Our Treatment for Spasmodic Torticollis Works
At Upper Spine Knoxville, our treatment for spasmodic torticollis utilizes a combination of manual and chiropractic techniques to restore the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine. This is done in an effort to reduce or eliminate the muscle tension and spasms that are the hallmark of this condition. By restoring the spine’s natural alignment, we can help reduce the severity and frequency of spasmodic torticollis episodes.
During your initial consultation, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bejian Shamloo, will thoroughly assess your symptoms and identify any areas of weakness or imbalances in your upper cervical spine that may be contributing to your condition. Using cutting-edge techniques like advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography, Dr. Shamloo can find the exact location and angle of any vertebral misalignments in the upper cervical spine. If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Shamloo will begin treatment using traditional chiropractic correction techniques to coax the affected vertebrae back into natural alignment. By realigning the spinal column, the strain on the surrounding neck muscles will be reduced, alleviating muscle spasms and allowing the neck to return to its normal position.
If you’re looking for a gentle and natural treatment for spasmodic torticollis, Dr. Shamloo is here to help. Dr. Shamloo provides patients with upper cervical chiropractic treatments in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.