Wry Neck or Torticollis, An Acute Neck Pain

Sudden neck pain is common, sometimes coming on immediately after a quick movement such as turning the head or towelling hair dry. In other cases it can be present in the morning and is assumed to be the result of having slept awkwardly in a stressful position.

Severe neck pain is present, often with painful neck muscle spasms and sometimes with an abnormal neck posture to one side known as torticollis. The neck is usually twisted over to the painful side and rotated to the opposite side. A stiff neck will be reported and limited range of movement observed.

The acute neck pain of a wry neck usually settles within a few days or two weeks at the most. Typical neck treatment includes a collar, anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers, rest, neck massage and physiotherapy treatments such as neck exercise and neck stretching.