Cervical dystonia: The do’s and the don’ts with managing this challenging condition.

Cervical dystonia can also be known as spasmodic torticollis and is a neurological disorder that originates in the brain. It’s a fairly rare condition and many clinicians may not have experience in the treatment of the condition. It causes involuntary and prolonged contraction (spasms) of the muscles in the neck which results in the head-turning and twisting to one side. It can lead to an abnormal head and neck posture which can also cause pain amongst other difficulties. Head tremors can also occur. At present, there is no cure for cervical dystonia and we are still unsure why some people develop the disorder and others don’t.

Treatments for Cervical Dystonia.

One effective treatment strategy that can help manage dystonia is intra-muscular neurotoxin injections, given by a doctor, into the affected muscles. This helps to weaken the muscles to allow the head position to realign to the centre. Injections should then be followed up with a rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening postural muscles and working on the realignment of the head including the adjustment of the body into a new position. It’s vital to understand that injections followed by physiotherapy, gives the best possible outcome.

Dr Jean Pierre Bleton has been one of the physiotherapy pioneers of treatment for cervical dystonia. He advocates the importance of seeing a physiotherapist to assist with rehabilitation as different techniques are needed depending on which muscles in the neck are involved. However, a few of his valuable tips are listed below.

Do.

Devote at least half an hour a day to your prescribed exercises
Relax – try to manage and reduce any stress, depression or anxiety (these all increase the spasm).
Perform active corrective exercises (prescribed by your physiotherapist).
Try to keep your head in the correct alignment when sitting and relaxing to watch the TV or listen to the radio for example by giving your body lots of support.
Arrange your work area that you need to keep turning your head to the correcting position.
Hold the telephone on the opposite side to the affected neck muscles
Try to position yourself so you talk to people while looking round to the corrective side.
Try performing retraining exercises in the swimming pool.

Don’t.

Reach straight for a neck collar – these usually don’t help.
Adopt the posture of torticollis.
Hold your head in your hands.
Carry a shoulder strap bag on the shoulder of the side of your head rotation.
Isolate yourself from social and professional activities.
Don’t have manipulation of the vertebrae of the neck.

Cervical dystonia can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life and whilst these tips are useful, they don’t replace seeing a skilled neuro physiotherapist with experience in treating cervical dystonia.

If you, or somebody you know, is struggling with this condition contact us on (02) 9906 7777 or referrals@archealth.com.au.