Pain in the middle or side of the neck.
A tightening (muscle spasm) and stiffness in the muscles of the neck.
A tilting of your chin to one side or your neck being fixed in an abnormal position, usually rotated away from the side of the pain.
Reduced neck movement, especially when turning your head to the side.
Can lead to a headache.
Following a motor vehicle accident, your GP/Physiotherapist will send you for an x-ray if:
The most common way to develop a wry neck is to wake up in the morning with pain and stiffness after sleeping in a poor posture e.g. on your back with too many pillows, on your stomach with excessive neck twisting. You may also have performed activities the day before that involved slouching, sustained, repetitive or prolonged poor posture/movements. This causes the structures in your neck to stretch over time and allows the joints in the back of the neck to stiffen up. A wry neck can also be caused by a simple sudden quick movement of the neck, e.g. waking up suddenly during the night from a noise. However symptoms are usually not felt until the next morning.
Many people that experience this condition recover well within a few days. It is recommended you visit a physiotherapist early on to assist with quicker recovery. Some of the treatments include:
Mobilisation/manipulation of the stiff joint(s)
Soft tissue massage to help the neck muscles relax
Traction
Stretching exercises
Range of motion exercises
Postural taping
Education regarding posture, appropriate use of pillows and lumbar rolls
Please ensure you discuss with your therapist if these are appropriate for you before performing the exercises independently.
Take your time when reaching for things, turning your head or laying down.
Ensure you perform the stretches and exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist.
Having a comfortable pillow to sleep on at night.
