Discogenic torticollis (stiff neck) 

If you haven’t read part 1 please follow this link …….  To fully understand what acute torticollis is.

Discogenic torticollis is caused by a disc in the neck, pressing on the surrounding structures in the neck.

Signs and symptoms:

•    Patients mostly experience a gradual onset of dull, diffuse pain.

•    Pain is usually felt in the lower neck, shoulder or upper chest.

•    Pain may radiate down into the arms.

•    The neck is fixed and difficult to move. A patient will usually be holding the head and neck away from the painful side because of pain. However,  this movement is only limited by pain, not mechanically blocked as in the facet wry neck.

•    Muscle Spasm of surrounding muscles in neck and shoulder area

Physiotherapy for discogenic torticollis

After the physiotherapist has determined the cause of neck pain as a discogenic torticollis treatment will be aimed at:

•    Reduce disc pressure and pain

•    Normalise joint range of motion: joint techniques

•    Relax muscle spasm: massage, gentle stretches, dry needling

•    Myofascial release

•    Normalise your deep neck and superficial muscle strength

•    Ensure normal scapular stabilisation control to reduce neck intradiscal pressure

•    Ensure normal neck posture and function.

It is important to note that a discogenic torticollis does not respond as quickly as a facet torticollis. It is not uncommon to take up to 6 weeks for proper rehabilitation.

Visit your physiotherapist if you suspect that you might be suffering from acute torticollis

Reference: https://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/acute-wry-neck:

Google images

Posted by: Ilse van Vuuren