Cervical Dystonia – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) causes involuntary neck muscle contractions that twist or turn the head to one side. This painful condition can also make the head tilt forward or backward uncontrollably.

This rare disorder can appear at any age but typically affects middle-aged adults. Women experience it more frequently than men. Symptoms usually develop gradually before stabilizing.

Currently, no cure exists for cervical dystonia. While spontaneous remission occasionally occurs, lasting recovery without treatment is uncommon.

Several treatment options help manage cervical dystonia symptoms:

Botulinum Toxin Injections

  • Most effective first-line treatment
  • Reduces muscle contractions and pain
  • Typically needs repeating every 3-4 months

Medications

  • Muscle relaxants
  • Pain relievers
  • Anti-seizure drugs that may help muscle movements

Physical Therapy

  • Stretching exercises
  • Posture training
  • Pain management techniques

Surgical Options

  • Deep brain stimulation for severe cases
  • Selective denervation procedures
  • Reserved for patients who don’t respond to other treatments

Signs and Effects

Cervical dystonia leads to several noticeable symptoms. The muscle contractions can twist your head in different directions:

  • Chin moving toward your shoulder
  • Ear tilting toward your shoulder
  • Chin pointing upward
  • Chin pointing downward

Most commonly, people experience their chin being pulled toward their shoulder. Some individuals may have a combination of these unusual head positions. Head jerking movements might also occur.

Pain and Discomfort

Neck pain is a frequent symptom that can spread into the shoulders. Many people also suffer from headaches due to this condition. For some individuals, the pain becomes extremely intense and can be:

  • Exhausting
  • Limiting to daily activities
  • Physically draining

The discomfort from cervical dystonia can significantly impact quality of life and ability to function normally.

Why Cervical Dystonia Happens

For most people with cervical dystonia, doctors don’t know what causes it. Some cases run in families, pointing to genetic factors.

Scientists have discovered certain gene changes linked to this condition. Injuries to the head, neck, or shoulder area can sometimes trigger cervical dystonia as well.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s chance of developing cervical dystonia:

  • Age: Most people start showing symptoms after age 30, though it can affect anyone at any age.

  • Gender: Women have a higher risk of getting cervical dystonia than men.

  • Family History: Having a close relative with cervical dystonia or another type of dystonia raises your risk.

These risk factors don’t mean someone will definitely develop the condition, but they may influence who is more likely to be affected.

Complications

The muscle contractions in cervical dystonia can sometimes spread beyond the neck. These contractions might affect the face, jaw, arms, or trunk. This spreading of symptoms can make the condition more difficult to manage.

Physical changes may also develop over time. Some patients develop bone spurs that narrow the spinal canal. This narrowing can press on nerves, causing:

  • Tingling sensations
  • Numbness
  • Weakness in arms and hands
  • Problems with leg and foot function

These additional symptoms can affect daily activities and quality of life.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.