Torticollis: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Torticollis is a very common problem characterised by pain and stiffness in the neck, limiting mobility and causing discomfort and pain when making certain movements. In today’s post, we explain what to do to prevent and relieve these symptoms. Keep reading!

What is torticollis?

Torticollis is a contraction of the neck muscles that causes our head to tilt involuntarily to one side.

This condition can be acute or chronic and is usually caused by poor posture, sudden movements, stress or even underlying medical conditions.

There are different types of torticollis:

• Muscular torticollis: this is the most common form and occurs due to muscle tension or spasms in the neck.
• Congenital torticollis: this is present from birth and may be related to a shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
• Spasmodic torticollis: this is a neurological disorder that causes repeated muscle contractions in the neck.

Symptoms of torticollis

The symptoms of torticollis vary depending on the cause and the severity of the problem. Some of the most common signs include:

• Severe neck pain, especially when moving the head.
• Muscle stiffness.
• Limited neck mobility.
• Involuntary tilting or rotation of the head.
• Associated headache.
• A feeling of tension in the shoulders.

These symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, and in some more severe cases, weeks.

How long does torticollis last?

The duration of torticollis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the type of muscle contracture:

1. Acute torticollis: it generally lasts from a few days to a week. In most cases, the pain is more intense during the first day and gradually improves.
2. Torticollis caused by muscle spasm: this usually resolves in around a week.

1. Torticollis in babies and children: most cases resolve within several weeks or months.
2. Chronic or permanent torticollis: some forms of torticollis, especially those caused by bone or congenital problems, can last for years or be permanent.

It is also important to know that torticollis in babies and children may continue for several weeks or even months. In addition, in cases of congenital torticollis, treatment may last between 3 and 6 months.

It is important to bear in mind that if torticollis lasts for more than a week or is accompanied by neurological symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Remedies for torticollis

As for what to do when you have torticollis, it depends on the cause and severity. In most cases, the following can help relieve pain and improve mobility:

• Applying heat or cold: placing a hot or cold compress on the affected area can reduce inflammation and relieve pain, as heat helps relax the muscles and cold reduces inflammation.
• Massage and physiotherapy: both gentle massage and physiotherapy can be very effective in reducing muscle tension and improving neck mobility. You can see a doctor or physiotherapist to recommend specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles.
• Stretching exercises: following on from what we have mentioned, doing gentle stretching exercises can help relieve stiffness and prevent future flare-ups. For example, movements such as slowly turning your head from side to side or tilting it forwards and backwards can be beneficial.

Treatments for torticollis

Do you know what to take for torticollis? There are different treatments to relieve muscle pain, such as topical gels or sprays. These are formulated with active ingredients with anti-inflammatory action such as methyl salicylate, diclofenac or diethylamine, which are known for their properties in relieving muscle and joint pain.

In our online pharmacy, in the anti-inflammatories and pain relief category, you will find gels such as Voltadol Forte, formulated with 23.2 mg/g diclofenac diethylamine, to help relieve issues such as neck stiffness or torticollis.

Another alternative when it comes to treatments for torticollis is spray de Pranarôm Aromalgic para las Articulaciones. It stands out for its combination of essential oils such as eucalyptus, mint and wintergreen, in an easy-to-apply spray formula, ideal for relieving muscle and joint pain, as it provides an immediate soothing effect.

Tips to prevent torticollis

To avoid the onset of torticollis, it is important to adopt certain healthy habits, such as:

• Maintaining good posture when sitting and sleeping.
• Avoiding sudden neck movements.
• Taking frequent breaks if you work for many hours in front of a screen.
• Doing stretching exercises regularly.
• Reducing stress and emotional tension, as these can contribute to muscle stiffness.