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Torticollis (Loxia, "Wryneck")
	A deformity of the neck is caused by a shortening of the neck muscles; this condition causes the head to tilt to the affected side with the chin pointing to the other side. There are three types of torticollis: Tonic, in which the abnormal posture is sustained Clonic, marked by jerky head movements Mixed, a combination of tonic and clonic movements. According to the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association, torticollis affects 83,000 people in the United States. The nerve signals responsible for torticollis are thought to originate in the basal ganglia, a group of brain structures involved in movement control. The exact defect is unknown. Some cases of dystonia are due to the inheritance of a defective gene, whose function is unknown at the time of writing. Use of certain antipsychotic drugs, or neuroleptics, can induce dystonia. Signs & Symptoms With this condition, certain muscles controlling the neck undergo repetitive or sustained contraction, causing the neck to jerk or twist to the side. Backward twisting is known as retrocollis. Symptoms usually progress over two to five years, and then remain steady. Many people with torticollis can temporarily correct their head position by sensory tricks, as touching the chin or cheek on the side opposite the turning. The reason for the effectiveness of this "geste antagoniste", as it is called, is unknown. Imaging studies - including X-rays - may be done to rule out other causes of abnormal posture. For a subgroup of patients, L-dopa provides effective relief. By preventing release of chemical messages from the nerve endings that stimulate the involved muscles, BTX partially paralyzes the muscles, therefore allowing more normal posture and range of motion. Pain and spasm may be temporarily lessened with application of heat or ice. Stress management techniques may help prevent worsening. Biofeedback may be effective for some patients. Regular massage therapy can reduce additional pain in compensating areas of the body.
Torticollis (Loxia, "Wryneck") is linked to:
	Low Back Pain