Wryneck: Know the Types and Treatments Available

Wryneck is defined as the condition in which the neck muscles, usually the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius, involuntarily contract. This situation causes a discomfort and tightening of the neck region, causing it to lean to the right or left side. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as a poor night's sleep, a build-up of tension or over time in a certain position, such as sewing with your head down or using the computer.

Anyone is subject to stiff neck regardless of age. To better understand the occurrence of this disease is relevant to know its possible manifestations, its treatments, complications, among other issues.

Stiff neck types

In order to better define the occurrence of the stiff neck, physician Lucas Coracini, resident in the area of ​​orthopedics, clarified which types of known manifestations of this disease:

Jerky

It is marked by the occurrence of spasms, followed by the tightening of the neck muscles. It is also possible that spasms and pain in other regions of the body occur in this manifestation of the stiff neck, which usually affects adults, especially females.

Sudden

This type of stiff neck is generated by muscle tension, caused by exposure to cold or stress, for example, which leads to strong muscle contracture. Its treatment is simple, often resolved only with rest.

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Congenital

Congenital torticollis is characteristic of newborn infants or children up to two years old. In this case, the child has a distorted neck due to a probable improper posture still in the mother's womb. This manifestation of the torticollis is severe and its treatment is usually performed through physical therapy or surgical intervention.

Knowing the possible types of stiff neck makes it easier to define the appropriate treatment and its causes according to the symptoms presented.

Causes

According to professional Lucas Coracini, the likely causes of stiff neck can be varied. The most common ones are related to excessive stress and anxiety processes, which tend to generate tension in the shoulders and neck region. Check out the main reasons listed:

Potassium and calcium deficiency: Lack of potassium and calcium leads your body to situations of extreme fatigue, which causes stiff neck. They are essential for muscle health and are found in foods like melon and avocado.

Infectious Process: Infections require your body to go through unusual work periods to eliminate the disease. This extreme occupation can end up damaging your muscles.

Also read: 11 Common Habits That Can Cause Inflammation In Your Body And You Don't Even Imagine

Tension: High stress moments can lead to high tension, concentrated in the shoulder region. It is important to keep the body well stretched to avoid pain.

Column issues: Other orthopedic problems, such as scoliosis, may cause you to suffer from contraction of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Bad posture: Poor posture in front of the computer, using the phone, studying and at other times can damage the neck muscles and lead to the stiff neck.

Exposure to excessive cold: going through extreme cold or exposing yourself to excessive air conditioning or fans may stiffen the neck region.

Given the causes, a great option is to try to avoid situations like the ones presented and also seek physical therapies, pilates classes and other exercises that involve stretching the neck region.

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Risk factors

Some attitudes and traits can make the stiff neck develop more easily. The known risk factors for this disease are:

Heredity: If your family has a family history of a stiff neck, you are likely to have the condition as well.

Column issues: If you already have problems in a particular region of the spine, it is easier for the stiff neck to manifest in your body.

Neck trauma: Old trauma can make neck pain more common in your life. The most severe may be manifestations of the stiff neck.

Sex: females are more likely to have stiff necks.

Have you identified any issues in your life as a risk factor? So maybe it is important to get help! Thus, you avoid the tightening of your muscles and consequently the stiff neck.

Symptoms

As is characteristic of disease situations, the stiff neck can be recognized by its symptoms. Know what they are:

• Local pain and high tenderness in the back, muscles and neck;
• Physical deformities;
• Muscle spasms;
• Stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back;
• Headaches.

Now that you know the signs of the disease, it's easier to seek treatment, right? If the pain persists for more than a week neck or headaches, for example, seek treatment from a doctor quickly.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of the stiff neck is made by physical examination. According to doctor Lucas Coracini, the disease is confirmed when there is a palpable stiffness in the region of pain and muscle tension, as well as a lateralization of the head and inclination of the neck to the right or left side of the body. Know the possible treatments for these pictures:

Treatment

Hot Water Compresses: High temperatures can help relieve the pain and tightening of the neck muscles.

Muscle Relaxants: Remedies for relaxing the body are great helpers in periods of pain.

Physiotherapy: Seeking help from physical therapists is essential in the face of severe stiff neck conditions. These professionals can help prevent these situations from evolving into more serious problems.

Home: Rest is essential to relieve the tension that causes the stiff neck. Remember to always keep your neck well supported on a pillow or firmly against it.

Surgery: Congenital cases of stiff neck may require surgical interventions so that sufferers of the disease can have a good quality of life.

Alternative Therapies: Some herbs, such as rosemary, can help relieve stiff neck. Apply on hot compresses in the pain regions.

It is extremely relevant to seek appropriate treatment for whatever disease and with the stiff neck is no different. Be sure to consult a trusted doctor to find out which one best fits your symptoms.

Living with the stiff neck

In order to be able to live with the stiff neck, rest periods and exercises with trained physiotherapists are indicated. As a way to alleviate the pain, it is also indicated that the person suffering from the disease makes hot water compresses and avoid getting cold, being the turtlenecks great allies for these situations.

It is contraindicated that people with torticollis sleep without pillows or on very flexible mattresses. Stretching classes, physiotherapy sessions and pilates are also of great help in coping with the disease on a daily basis once the most complicated crisis has subsided.

Complications

Certain manifestations of the stiff neck may lead to sufferers with the disease to undergo complications. They are commonly found in the congenital type of the disease since it has a difficult cure. Discover some:

• Difficulty performing daily activities such as washing dishes;
• Emotional stress due to pain;
• Swelling of the muscles in the pain region;
• Posture problems;
• Insomnia

Knowing so many details of the disease makes it simpler to treat it, but that does not mean that it is not necessary to seek a specialized professional for treatment. Orthopedic doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists are some of the help options available.

Find someone you trust and do not hesitate to treat this ailment that can be a nuisance even to perform the simplest tasks of everyday life.

90-Second Relief Technique for a Stiff Neck (Wry Neck, Torticollis)- Doctor Beau (March 2024)