Acute Wry Neck
By Laurence Schubert APAM
What is Acute
Wry Neck?
Have you ever
gone to sleep feeling completely fine and woken up with a neck that you just
can’t move? Alternatively, have you twisted your neck and not able to move
afterwards? These injuries are likely due to a common condition known as acute
wry neck.
In the cervical region (neck) there are two main types of joints; intervertebral discs and facets. At each cervical segment there is one disc and a facet joint on either side. This injury causes the muscles of the neck to spasm and the joints of the neck to be locked.
What are the symptoms of Acute Wry Neck?
From the moment
you wake up or twist your neck, you will experience extreme stiffness and
decreased range of motion (ROM). Movements will cause large discomfort and you
may even experience pain at rest.
What causes
Acute Wry Neck?
Acute Wry Neck
can be caused one of two ways; a sudden movement or gradual onset, i.e. when
you wake up in the morning with symptoms. It is unknown the exact cause of
acute wry neck, however when it is caused by a sudden movement it is likely the
result of a facet joint dysfunction. When it is gradual, it is likely due to a
dysfunctional intervertebral disc.
What can be
done about an Acute Wry Neck?
Acute wry neck
is treated effectively by manual therapy, e.g. soft tissue massage,
mobilisation and manipulation. Alongside this, keeping the neck moving is
critical. If you don’t allow the neck to move, then the condition is likely to
worsen. Application of heat and anti-inflammatory medication may help settle
some of your pain. It is important to see your physiotherapy rapidly, as this
injury often responds well in the first few days following injury.
Alternatively, if there is a more sinister injury, it is important to have a
proper diagnose.
Home based
exercises:
Complete the
following exercises as frequently as you can and don’t push beyond painful
limits. E.g. if the pain is > 3/10 then reduce range of motion or decrease
intensity.
- Rotations to one 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.
