Acute Wry Neck
What is Wry Neck?
Description
- Acute wry neck is characterized by a sudden onset of sharp neck pain with deformity, limitation of movement and unilateral or at least asymmetrical symptoms
- 2 common types
o Apophyseal joint
o Discogenic Wry neck
These 2 types can be differentiated based on the history and physical examination
Acute Wry Neck Causes
- May occur after prolonged abnormal positions e.g., after a long sleep in an awkward position.
- May also occur after trauma e.g., sudden, quick movement due to sport, work or motor vehicle accident.
Acute Wry Neck Symptoms & Presentation
- Unilateral localized neck pain
- Antalgic head posture – head rotated and flex away from affected side due to pain and muscle spasm.
- Limited head movement towards affected side
- Nearly full, but pain free movement to nonpainful side.
- May have radiation of pain to the medial shoulder blade region
- Poor postural control
- History of degenerative joint disease, similar episodes or general hypermobility
Acute Wry Neck Treatment
Physiotherapy Management
- Manual cervical traction/passive physiological movements
- Joint mobilization
- Massage
- Muscle contract/relax techniques.
- Postural retraining
Wry Neck Exercises
- Head/neck range of motion and motor control
Prognosis
Acute wry neck often resolves quickly over a period of 2-3 days post physiotherapy treatment, with some residual symptoms lasting up to a week.