What Is This Pain in My Neck

“This morning when I woke up, I could barely move my neck! When I did try and move it, I feel a sharp pain on the left side of my neck shooting down into the shoulder blade.  It just came out of nowhere!”

Chances are, you are suffering from a common condition called torticollis, which literally means, “twisted neck.”  Torticollis is basically a painful muscle spasm, like a “Charlie-horse” but located in the neck muscles.  Usually, a person wakes up in the morning with this pain and the cause is often related to a fan or air conditioning blowing while you are sleeping.  Torticollis can also relate to just getting over a cold or flu virus.  Trauma such as falling or a car accident can also cause torticollis. However, most of the time, patients with torticollis are not sure what caused the abrupt onset of symptoms.

Usually, torticollis will gradually improve over a 2 week time frame. However, it only takes a few days to a week (at the most) if you receive chiropractic adjustments. Without treatments, the sharp pain can last a week and can severely limit your activity, often prohibiting work and other desirable activities.  Most people prefer having this treated as opposed to “waiting it out.” In some cases, it can last longer than a month and in rare cases even longer, so getting this treated is highly recommended.  Also, try to get in for a treatment immediately before the muscle spasm really sets up.  We find this to be the most effective approach.  Here are a list of symptoms and treatment suggestions for torticollis:

Acute Torticollis Symptoms

• Muscle spasms
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Neck and spine contortion (neck twisted to right or left side of body)

Pain Relief Treatments for Acute Torticollis

• Chiropractic neck and spinal adjustment
• Heat packs
• Muscle relaxants
• Rubs and ointments (Icy Hot, BioFreeze)
• Massage with essential oils
• Sleep / Relax
• Supportive cervical collar

At Syracuse Chiropractic and Health Center Dr. Tyler Elmore can provide you with a consultation, a full Examination, and X-rays if necessary. Our team is here to help answer your questions! Please contact us today!