Symptoms
Acute torticollis
Acute painful neck rotation lock, often from levator scapulae and splenius cervicis with SCM guarding.
Overview
Acute painful neck rotation lock, often from levator scapulae and splenius cervicis with SCM guarding. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
Gentle mobilization, address contributing muscles. Most cases resolve within days.
Red flags — when to refer
Severe trauma, fever, neurological signs — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction