Abstract
A case history of a 23-year-old male with a traumatic acute spasmodic torticollis is presented. The symptoms diminished very quickly with chiropractic care with an emphasis on physical therapy and cervical spine adjustments.
Introduction
Torticollis is caused by spasm of the neck muscles which causes rotation and tilting of the head. The spasm can be quite severe, not allowing the patient to move his head to a normal position. In the doctor's office, the spasm can be helped by physical therapy modalities. We have found that by coupling interferential muscle stimulation with cryotherapy and range of motion exercises, followed by spinal manipulation, patients enjoy normal motion very quickly. With continued care, the patient can resume normal activities more rapidly than without care.
Case History
A 23-year-old male presented at our office seven days post-injury with his chin approximating his right shoulder. He had severe pain worsened with any cervical spine motion and was unable to raise his head to a neutral position.
Examination and Radiographic Findings
Cervical spine range-of-motion and orthopedic testing was deferred due to the severe restriction of movement and the presenting attitude of the neck in right lateral flexion and right rotation. A severe rotational deformity was revealed by the x-ray films.
Course of Treatment
Treatment was directed at the patient's cervical symptoms and consisted of interferential muscle stimulation and ice to the patient's cervical spine and upper thoracic spine. He was seated and instructed to move his neck very slowly, as far as possible, into flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation bilaterally. Following 30 minutes of this therapy, his range of motion had improved to the point that he could straighten his neck and guardedly move it through at least 50 percent of normal range of motion.
The patient was treated for six weeks, after which he was asymptomatic.
|
