Waking Up With a Sore Neck..

Have you ever woken up with a stiff, sore neck, or experienced ongoing neck pain after a sudden

Julie Cai

November 15, 2022

Have you ever woken up with a stiff, sore neck, or experienced ongoing neck pain after a sudden quick movement? These are classic triggers for an injury known as Acute Wry Neck or Torticollis. Physiotherapists and Chiropractors are well-placed to provide treatment for this presentation. Keep reading to find out more..

Acute Wry Neck is characterised by a sudden onset of sharp neck pain, with a protective deformity and limitation of movement. It may be difficult to drive or ride a bike, as turning the head may aggravate the neck pain. There may also have been unusual movements or prolonged abnormal postures prior to the onset of pain.


There are two common types which are:

Zygapophyseal wry neck


This occurs more frequently in children and young adults, and is commonly associated with a sudden movement resulting in sharp pain. The individual may typically adopt a posture to guard the pain, which is usually a bent neck away from the irritated joint, or a neck bent forward. It may be hard for the individual to correct the abnormal posture themselves due to pain and the severity of the muscle spasm.


Discogenic wry neck

This type of wry neck usually has a more gradual onset, and classically occurs when waking after a long sleep in an abnormal posture. It tends to occur in an older age group, such as in middle-aged adults. The pain is often felt in the lower region of the neck or the upper mid-back, and sometimes near the shoulder blade. The pain also often feels deep, and the individual may have a history of degenerative joint disease in the lower cervical spine.

Zygapophyseal wry neck occurs at the zygapophyseal joints (facet joints - the red part in the image above) of the cervical spine, most commonly at the C2-3 level. The upper cervical joints (C0-1 & C1-2) may also be involved with some trauma, which requires testing to ensure the integrity of the craniovertebral ligaments involved.

On the other hand, the discogenic wry neck (the blue in the image above) involves the discs between the vertebral levels which act as shock absorbers. It is important to differentiate this type of neck from the zygapophyseal presentation as certain treatment techniques may further aggravate this condition.


Treatment

Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatment for acute wry neck often involves reducing the muscle spasm through manual therapy techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, gentle traction, craniosacral techniques and adjustments as required. Depending on the severity of the presentation, taping may also be required. More often than not, an improvement in range of motion and a reduction in pain should be expected after the initial treatment. Self-management includes gentle range of motion and motor control exercises, sleep hygiene to support the cervical spine, and ice to reduce the inflammation and swelling.


If you have any further questions about how we can help with your neck pain, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.




More Blog

A black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie

Top Stories

Rehabilitation Techniques for Improved Quality of Life

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals dealing with various health conditions. From physical injuries to neurological disorders and chronic pain management, rehabilitation techniques offer a pathway to recovery and improved wellbeing. By integrating rehabilitation into healthcare facilities, patients can benefit from a holistic approach to their recovery, addressing not only physical limitations but also mental and emotional health.

rehabilitation-techniques-for-improved-quality-of-life

arrow to service

Understanding the Role and Benefits of Chiropractic

Chiropractic care has a rich history dating back to its origins in the late 19th century, with pioneers in the paddock paving the way for the evolution of chiropractic practises. The benefits of chiropractic care are vast, including pain relief, improved mobility and flexibility, and enhanced nervous system function. Chiropractic techniques and treatments, such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises and stretches, are tailored to address individual needs.

understanding-the-role-and-benefits-of-chiropractic

arrow to service

Essential Foot Care Tips in Preventing Podiatric Conditions

Our feet play a crucial role in our overall well-being, yet they are often overlooked when it comes to health care. Preventing podiatric conditions through proper foot care is essential for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. This blog will explore the significance of foot care in promoting general health and well-being, common podiatric conditions and their causes, effective foot care practises for individuals with diabetes, professional foot care services offered by podiatrists, maintaining proper foot hygiene and care at home, nutritional factors affecting foot health, physical activities to improve foot strength and flexibility, addressing foot pain and discomfort with chiropractic care, and preventive measures for foot injuries in sports and physical activities.

essential-foot-care-tips-in-preventing-podiatric-conditions

arrow to service

Get In Touch

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.