What is Spasmodic Torticollis?
Also referred to as loxia or wry neck, spasmodic torticollis is a condition where the muscles in the neck contract involuntarily, resulting in the neck and head becoming twisted to the side. This condition occurs gradually, usually presenting when a person enters their 30s or 40s.
There are a wide range of potential causes of spasmodic torticollis, with current research indicating that the condition is hereditary. There is also a growing body of research that has found that individuals who have suffered trauma to the upper cervical spine or had infections in the surrounding structures (ears, throat, or sinuses) will often experience spasmodic torticollis.
Signs and Symptoms of Spasmodic Torticollis
Spasmodic torticollis is characterized by a twisted neck and head. Some other symptoms that can occur with spasmodic torticollis include a reduced range of motion in the head and neck, muscle spasms, shoulder pain, eye issues, tongue issues, back pain, headaches, and in the case of infants, irritability, vomiting, and drowsiness.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Spasmodic Torticollis
The upper cervical spine is comprised of the seven stacked vertebrae that make up the neck, providing anchorage and support for the skull. Given that spasmodic torticollis is likely caused by contraction of the muscles in the neck, many cases of this condition can be attributed to misalignments in the upper cervical spine. When upper cervical vertebrae are out of natural alignment, they can intrude into the surrounding nerves and muscles of the neck and upper back. If this is not addressed, the muscles can weaken due to the constant pressure and subsequent inflammation in the area. Eventually, this will result in persistent muscular contraction and tightening, causing the development of the tilted head found in patients suffering from spasmodic torticollis.
How Our Spasmodic Torticollis Treatment Works
If you’ve exhausted all other treatment options for spasmodic torticollis and have seen no improvement in your condition, there are natural and effective treatment options available through our upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Dr. Bello. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a non-invasive form of chiropractic care that focuses on using gentle and precise correction techniques to improve the health of the upper cervical spine.
When you visit our office for an upper cervical correction, Dr. Bello will perform an initial consultation and examination of your upper cervical spine. In order to determine whether a misalignment in the upper cervical spine could be triggering or worsening your spasmodic torticollis, Dr. Bello will perform several specialized scans, using X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography, to identify the exact angle and location of any misaligned vertebrae.
Once the exact location of your spinal misalignment is determined, Dr. Bello will perform a series of gentle, precise upper cervical corrections to the affected area. By targeting the root cause of contraction and tension around the neck, Dr. Bello can reboot the body’s natural healing mechanisms and encourage the natural readjustment of the head carriage.
You don’t have to suffer with spasmodic torticollis in silence, Dr. Bello is here to help! Dr. Bello offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.