Torticollis is a disorder characterized by spasms that cause pain in the neck.
Torticollis is a disorder that affects the neck area through spasms that generate pain and force the head not to move. The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) mentions that the term is masculine (torticollis), although in colloquial language it is usually used as feminine (torticollis).
Torticollis is part of the so-called dystonias : muscle contractions that last in a sustained manner, affecting movement and reflecting in atypical body postures. In this case, it is a dystonia focused on the neck muscles.
Causes of torticollis
Doctors mention possible causes of torticollis, ranging from a possible hereditary defect to muscle hyperextension . In the vast majority of cases, torticollis causes the head to tilt to the right side already in the first days of life. If the position is not corrected, it can cause scoliosis in the thorax and neck, in addition to generating asymmetry in the face and skull. Treatment of torticollis, which must be early, may include injections, drugs, exercises and surgery .
It is important to mention that torticollis is often referred to as any type of pain in the neck. In this case, torticollis can be caused by poor body posture , a "whiplash" type blow to the back or a sudden movement of the head. Torticollis causes the person to have difficulty moving the head and, in some cases, to suffer from headaches . Neck pain is usually treated with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and massage.
Torticollis can be treated with massage.
Prevention
One of the fundamental tips to prevent the appearance of torticollis is to maintain good body posture , both when standing, sitting or lying down, and this has a positive impact on many other aspects of health . Some of the most common mistakes are not resting your back completely against the back of the seat and using pillows that are too high in bed.
Getting the right pillow for everyone is not easy, but it is very important to rest well at night and avoid many problems, both physical and psychological. No price is too high when it comes to health , which is why this element of the home should be among the highest priorities.
Although today's phones do not usually allow you to hold them with your head and shoulder, something that forces you to tilt your neck to one side and remain in this position for minutes. On the other hand, there are those who claim that consuming refined flours and sugars increases the chances of suffering from torticollis , and recommend increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits in their natural state.
Torticollis treatment
First of all, the simplest home method is to take a piece of cloth and use it to wrap a series of ice cubes, and then massage the affected area with them , seeking to reduce inflammation and pain. An alternative is hot water (perhaps it is advisable to choose one or the other depending on the season of the year); In this case, the compress should be left on for about a quarter of an hour to provide relief.
If we have essential oil at home, then we can apply it directly with our fingers, and perform a gentle massage ; It is important not to use too much force or make movements that make us uncomfortable.
Herbal tea has many beneficial properties for our health, and among them is pain relief and relaxation in case of torticollis.
For those who have the opportunity to be absent from work or leave their obligations for the next day, it is advisable to rest lying down as much as possible , so that the neck does not have to withstand the usual pressure .