Do you have neck pains that last more than 2 days? Are they recurrent? Do they spread to the middle of your back or arms? If yes, you are probably suffering from torticollis. It results from a constant muscular contraction (in other words, a “cramp”) which in turn may cause:
A torticollis that persists or recurs frequently is indicative of an underlying problem that needs to be examined. Displacement of the vertebrae in the cervical region (neck) compresses the nerves and causes these symptoms. In addition, the cervical spine contains nerves that are connected to most areas of the body, bringing significant discomfort to your daily activities. The main causes of torticollis are:
Sleeping on your stomach is never recommended. This position not only aggravates existing problems but also causes the development of neck related issues. Sleeping on your side or back is preferable, with a proper alignment of the spinal cord and neck.
Abrupt movements while exercising, bad posture at work or repeated wrong maneuvers in everyday life can cause neck problems to appear.
Arthrosis (osteoarthrosis) is a sneaky problem that develops over time without being noticed at first. Contrary to popular belief, Arthrosis is not specifically related to aging; it exists at all age levels and consists of a degradation of the cartilage and of the articular mechanics.
Commonly referred to and known as “whiplash”, the neck sprain is the partial stretching and / or tearing of a ligament when abnormal bending / extension forces are applied to the spine. It is often caused by an automobile accident, in sports or even in amusement park rides.
There are different types of torticollis: acute, traumatic, spasmodic and, one that often affect newborns, congenital torticollis. A chiropractor has the ability to diagnose the right type that afflicts you. Consequently, an examination of your cervical problem is essential. If the torticollis is caused by factors that are outside of his scope of practice, he can refer you to the most appropriate specialist for your condition.
To treat torticollis, it is important to determine the degree of severity. Some can be temporary and can dissipate after less than 24 hours. If it lasts longer than 24 hours or is recurrent, it is important to consult a professional and book an appointment, in order to get the appropriate care and advice on safe ergonomic practices. Here are a few steps to help you:
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