A neck ache like the torticollis is not just a neck pain that you should ignore.
It is an involuntary muscle contraction in the neck. Often benign, it can still become very painful to the point of being disabling. 😥
The pain of a torticollis can extend to the back, the shoulders or the arms. Sometimes the neck muscles are so tight that the head is stuck and cannot be turned to one side.
Most of the time, torticollis occurs suddenly as a result of poor sleeping posture.
Torticollis is usually easily treated with exercises, stretching or chiropractic treatment. However, there is a chronic form of torticollis that is much more disabling: spasmodic torticollis.
What is neck pain?
Cervicalgia is pain in the back of the neck. It is due to an imbalance between the muscles of the upper back and those of the lower back, which surround the neck. spinal column. It can be caused either by neck stiffness or by inflammation of the neck tissues.
If the patient cannot relax, or simply does not like the feeling or sound of cavitation/crackling or any other type of problem, a gentle form ofchiropractic adjustment can be used rather than the more traditional techniques.
Some of these methods include a slower (low speed) technique performed in the passive range of joint motion.
What causes neck pain, whiplash or stiff neck?
Torticollis is an excessive contraction of one or more muscles in the neck. There is a dysfunction in the interaction between the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems.
From this, a muscle tension is created, called muscle spasm. This is a protective mechanism of the nervous system. It puts it in place to prevent further injury.
No one is safe from a stiff neck. All it takes is a bad sleeping position, such as sleeping on your stomach or on the couch with your neck at a 45 degree angle. Consider sleeping with a pillow that fits your body. 🛏️
A bad posture in the cara bad fall, a accident or working with a bad position, whether it is painting the ceiling that makes the head rise, or working in front of a computer that makes the head bend, are also causes of torticollis. In short, anything that causes muscle contracture.
Even newborns can suffer from neck pain, in which case the term congenital torticollis is used. This often happens if the baby had a bad position in the womb.
Stress could also be a factor that increases the risk of torticollis.
Why I have a pain in my neck and head ?
If your neck hurts, chances are you have a stiff neck. Neck pain and headaches can be caused by a variety of factors: stress, fatigue, back pain, acid reflux, etc.
Neck pain are often muscular pains linked to poor posture. A few daily exercises can help prevent them.
Neck pain is a frequently encountered symptom. It is due to tension in the upper part of the neck, particularly in the muscles, but also in the tendons and ligaments.
When you have a pinched nerve, you may experience persistent symptoms, including pain, muscle weakness and tingling sensations.
Chiropractic care may be able to provide non-invasive treatment for the cause of your symptoms and restore your strength and range of motion.
4 solutions to get back to sleep when you have a stiff neck
1st solution: Massage the back of the neck and apply cold.
You can start by massaging the back of your neck. Of course, this isn't a miracle solution for getting back to sleep when you have a stiff neck, but it can help you to relieve your pain and, as a result, relieve the tension that accumulates in the back of your neck.
To reduce joint or muscle inflammation, applying ice in 5 to 10 minute intervals will help. However, this will not cure the stiff neck.
Solution 2: Drink lots of water if your neck hurts
Drinking water throughout the day helps keep muscles and the entire body hydrated. Water is not a miracle cure, but keeping your body well hydrated helps in the healing and prevention of certain problems.
Solution 3: Massage the back muscles
Over time, the muscles in the back become stiff, which can lead to a stiff neck. To prevent torticollis from becoming chronic, you should massage the back muscles regularly to relax them.
You can also apply gel to these muscles, as it will allow the body heat to diffuse better and help relax the muscles.
Solution 4: Relax
Taking a warm bath, doing deep breathing exercises or visualizing a place where you feel relaxed can help you before going to bed. At least 30 minutes before bedtime should help.
Why I have Sore neck?
You've tried every trick in the book, you've gotten into the habit of sleeping on your back or side and you've bought the great memory foam pillow, but nothing helps, your stiff neck persists.
We recommend that you seek medical advice as soon as any neck pain appears and persists. It's important for you to find out if your pain is torticollis or if you are the victim of a pathology.
Sleep neck pain is a fairly common cause of insomnia in people with jaw disorders. This condition is much more common in people who have fragile REM sleep.
If you have jaw problems, you are at greater risk of developing sleep stiffness.
Sleep stiffness is a type of muscle contracture that occurs during your sleep and can be caused by being overweight, poor posture or a disease that affects the jaw muscles.
So don't be left behind and make your appointment quickly. We are waiting to provide you with the best care to help you get back to sleep quickly.
Preventing the onset of torticollis
The best way is to maintain good posture throughout the day by keeping your back straight and your head aligned. Repetitive movements should also be avoided.
Sleeping position is also crucial. Sleeping on your back or on your side promotes optimal neck position. Pay attention to the thickness of your pillow.
A spinal adjustment can also improve spinal mobility and prevent muscle spasms.
Optimize the position at work by ensuring that the chair is adapted and that the computer screen is at the right height.
In addition, regular stretching and exercise can help prevent the onset of torticollis. A chiropractor could also advise you on what to do to help.
When s'worry a sore neck and how to treat it?
Torticollis will not go away with time. This neck pain must be treated.
The best way is vertebral correction and isometric muscle contraction from left to right of the neck. This will relieve tension and muscle spasms.
A chiropractor will be able to diagnose torticollis and guide you in its treatment or refer you to a specialist if it is out of his or her field of expertise.
Chiropractic treatment aims to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle spasm. It also aims to restore mobility to the neck and re-educate the skeletal, nervous and muscular systems.
It will also help strengthen your neck.
Finally, you can take the time to treat a sore neck. Doing exercises, stretching and maintaining good posture will help. However, it is important to keep in mind that if the pain persists, it is important to go see a doctor.
Do not hesitate to make an appointment if you have any concerns or neck pain! The first consultation is free!
Source :
Chiropractic for your pain - Torticollis. (n.d.). Quebec Chiropractors Association. https://www.chiropratique.com/fr/chiropratique/douleur/74-le-torticolis.html?PCID=1 (page consulted on November 15, 2022)