Acute Wry Neck
By Laurence Schubert APAM
What is AcuteWry Neck?
Have you evergone to sleep feeling completely fine and woken up with a neck that you justcan’t move? Alternatively, have you twisted your neck and not able to moveafterwards? These injuries are likely due to a common condition known as acutewry neck.
In the cervicalregion (neck) there are two main types of joints; intervertebral discs andfacets. At each cervical segment there is one disc and a facet joint on eitherside. This injury causes the muscles of the neck to spasm and the joints of theneck to be locked.
What are thesymptoms of Acute Wry Neck?
From the momentyou wake up or twist your neck, you will experience extreme stiffness anddecreased range of motion (ROM). Movements will cause large discomfort and youmay even experience pain at rest.
What causesAcute Wry Neck?
Acute Wry Neckcan be caused one of two ways; a sudden movement or gradual onset, i.e. whenyou wake up in the morning with symptoms. It is unknown the exact cause ofacute wry neck, however when it is caused by a sudden movement it is likely theresult of a facet joint dysfunction. When it is gradual, it is likely due to adysfunctional intervertebral disc.
What can bedone about an Acute Wry Neck?
Acute wry neckis treated effectively by manual therapy, e.g. soft tissue massage,mobilisation and manipulation. Alongside this, keeping the neck moving iscritical. If you don’t allow the neck to move, then the condition is likely toworsen. Application of heat and anti-inflammatory medication may help settlesome of your pain. It is important to see your physiotherapy rapidly, as thisinjury often responds well in the first few days following injury.Alternatively, if there is a more sinister injury, it is important to have aproper diagnose.
Home basedexercises:
Complete thefollowing exercises as frequently as you can and don’t push beyond painfullimits. E.g. if the pain is > 3/10 then reduce range of motion or decreaseintensity.
- Rotations toone side x 10
- Ear to shoulder x 10
- Looking up and down x 10
If you are struggling with a neck injury, please contact us or book online for an appointment.
