Torticollis: beware of false movements

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Extract from the article: The neck is made up of 85 muscles, the best known of which are the trapezius. They support the head and join the chest. Because they are in high demand, they are all the more at risk of contracture. While a wrong movement is most often responsible fo

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The neck is made up of 85 muscles, the best known of which are the trapezius. They support the head and join the chest. Because they are in high demand, they are all the more at risk of contracture. While a wrong movement is most often responsible for neck pain, there are other triggers. Knowing about them can help prevent the onset of torticollis. Most of these muscle contractures disappear on their own in two or three days.

Neck twisted, head bent towards one shoulder, unable to straighten it without a sharp pain. The cold is not the only culprit, however. Rather, it is a triggering factor, as can lack of sleep, excessive physical effort, stress, smoking and squinting. Because they weaken the muscle and encourage false movements.

A tired muscle has less control and is less receptive to proprioception, i.e. the body's ability to define itself in space, and there is a greater risk of injury.

If cold is partly to blame, it's indirect. A cold muscle reacts badly. If the neck is put under stress in a cold atmosphere, there's a risk of muscle strain. Hence the importance of wearing a scarf if you're working outdoors.

As for smoking, it has a different effect on the muscle: it reduces oxygenation, muscle contraction is poorer and control of movement more problematic.

Poor posture at work

Torticollis is also often triggered by a poor working position, which puts pressure on certain muscle groups.The classic example is someone who works glued to their computer, with their neck bent forward, causing permanent tension in their posterior muscles.These muscles tire, while at the same time the tendons, vertebrae, ligaments and discs that form the structure of the neck degenerate more rapidly.If the person bends down or turns round to look for a file or to pick up a heavy object, and the movement is a little sudden, a torticollis can occur.

The right position in front of the computer: don't work with your neck bent forward to look at the screen, but rather look slightly downwards.

Repetitive movements Repetitive movements can lead to torticollis. An example of a high-risk movement is that of a supermarket cashier who spends her day picking up products from one side of the till and transferring them to the other.This movement, which combines effort and twisting, is particularly bad.

For example, if you want to clean or paint the ceiling, use long-handled rollers above your head and remember to paint at eye level as much as possible.This prevents the neck from hyperextending and suffering the next day. In other words, climb a stepladder rather than raising your arm as high as possible while throwing your head back.The last thing to avoid is carrying a heavy load on the shoulder. The neck is flexed and slightly twisted, the shoulder is lowered and the muscles are bandaged: an ideal position for neck pain.

Osteoarthritis, trauma or dental problems in cases of persistent torticollis.

An ordinary stiff neck will heal itself after a few days.The best way to get rid of it is to rest the affected muscle.Any source of heat (towel wrapped around the neck, gentle manual massage, heating gel) is welcome. Avoid any spinal manipulation without thorough investigation.Manipulating a neck with a herniated disc is the best way to aggravate the pain.

If the torticollis lasts longer, or if it recurs, it will be necessary to undergo more detailed examinations (radiology, MRI, etc.) to look for an organic cause, such as cervical osteoarthritis, the after-effects of a trauma, or a dental problem (poor occlusion, infection) or eye problem (if poor vision causes the head to be tilted to see better). If there are associated signs, such as weakness in the arm and tingling, the specialist may suspect spinal damage in the neck (herniated disc, etc.).A surgical solution is then recommended

Preventing neck muscle contractures

Choose the right bedding.Many stiff necks are caused by unsuitable bedding (beds that are too soft or too hard, bulky pillows).There are pre-formed pillows that provide good support for the head during the night.  Muscle up your neck and make it more supple: gentle turning and tilting movements.Favour magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium deficiency can lead to contractures.

William O.

Article validated by Innocent Lakna, Director of the National Orthopaedic Fitting Centre (CNAO-Lomé)