Wry neck, better known as torticollis is a medical condition in which the head is tilted to one side and the chin is raised and turned towards the other side. This can be quite painful and can be congenital or acquired and people of all ages can suffer from acquired torticollis. Congenital torticollis is said to develop in childhood but may be diagnosed only at an older age. This condition can also be seen in animals especially rabbits and domestic rodents but may also appear in dogs and is usually caused because of an inner ear infection or may also be as a result of an injury. It is primarily caused due to vigorous movements or injury that irritates the cervical nerves which in turn results in spasm of the neck muscles. Apart from that, sleeping in an awkward position, anxiety, neck muscle injury at birth, injury that leads to heavy scarring and skin shrinkage or a neck muscle spasm can also cause a wry neck. Symptoms generally include a neck pain, headache, limited range of motion, one shoulder higher compared to the other, swelling or a stiff neck muscle or the chin raised either up or slanting down.
There are not many home remedies to treat a wry neck but taking the necessary precautions can go a long way in helping cure the condition. The condition may be treated by physical therapy which includes stretching and strengthening exercises. However, be careful of the physical treatments that you undergo as some can manipulate your neck, thereby worsening your condition. Some of these treatments however can provide excellent relief like gentle mobilization and a therapy called muscle energy. Be sure to consult your practitioner and take their advice. Lying down in a supine position is helpful and always ensure that you sleep on a low, firm pillow with the painful side on it and do not use too many pillows. Keep a good posture where your neck is upright and in a vertical position while you are reading or writing. You should not drive in such a condition as the neck is not in a position to get full rotation of the head to check for oncoming traffic. If nothing works, a surgery is the last recommended option. Other common treatments involve extended heat treatment, low impact exercises to increase strong form neck stability, massages by a professional and so on. Whatever you do, make sure you rest and reduce stress as it helps in reducing the pain.
answered by G M