Torticollis is a contracture of the muscles on one side of the neck . This results in a decrease in the movements of the head. There are four types of torticollis: the acute torticollis The torticollis traumatic , the spasmodic torticollis and congenital torticollis .
Torticollis acute
Acute torticollis has several causes, but the most common is called vertebral subluxation . Subluxations are presented as anomalies of the normal movement and / or the ideal alignment of certain vertebrae. This causes an alteration of the communication between the nervous system and the other systems of the body. This syndrome causes a reflex contraction of the neck muscles. This wedging effect usually comes from a false movement or a bad posture.
Traumatic torticollis
The traumatic torticollis appears after an accident. In this type of torticollis, it is important to detect the presence of fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae of the neck.
Spasmodic torticollis
The origin of spasmodic torticollis is poorly known. It is recognized by severe and painful spasms of the muscles on one side of the neck. It does not usually involve false movement or bad posture.
Congenital torticollis
Congenital torticollis is usually present from birth. It can be caused by neck muscle trauma, nervous system damage, or bone abnormality.
Short-term and long-term consequences
The presence of torticollis is a sign that there is a dysfunction in the interaction between the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems . If the nervous system is unable to communicate with the structures it innervates, it results in an increase in muscle tension. This is a protective mechanism that the nervous system puts in place to prevent a larger injury. This muscle spasm is reflected in pain , inflammation, and pain . In the long term, a badly treated torticollis can cause a significant increase in the severity of vertebral subluxations. This could predispose to headaches, breathing difficulties, numbness in the arms, loss of balance and / or osteoarthritis (premature aging of the joints).
The chiropractic approach
The chiropractor is empowered to diagnose the type of torticollis that afflicts you. An examination of the cervical problem is essential. If the torticollis is caused by anything out of the chiropractor’s field of practice, the chiropractor will direct you to the most appropriate specialist for your condition. The chiropractic approach aims to reduce muscle spasm, pain and inflammation. The treatment aims to increase mobility and to rehabilitate the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems.
Source: ACQ – Association of Chiropractors of Quebec – ACQ
