What is a Wry Neck?

Wry Neck

Acute Wry Neck is a prevalent neck condition that causes pain and stiffness, often presenting with sudden onset after waking up or turning the head. The primary cause of this condition is the locking of facet joints in the spine, leading to inflammation and muscle spasm. While acute wry neck is usually a sudden injury, various factors, including poor posture and muscle weakness, may predispose individuals to this condition. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and effective physiotherapy treatment for acute wry neck.

Causes of Acute Wry Neck

The facet joints located at the back of the vertebrae are responsible for proper neck movement. Acute wry neck occurs when these facet joints lock due to inflammation, followed by muscle spasms that restrict neck movements. Predisposing factors for wry neck may include poor posture, poor sleep posture, improper workstation set-up, weak deep neck muscles, and weak muscles around the shoulder blades.

Symptoms of Acute Wry Neck

Patients with acute wry neck typically experience the following symptoms:

  • Neck pain, often on one side but can also be in the middle, and may radiate between the shoulder blades but not usually below the shoulders.
  • Restricted neck movement with associated pain.
  • Deformity, such as rotation and tilting of the head away from the painful side.
  • Muscle spasms

Treatment of Acute Wry Neck

Physiotherapy offers the most effective treatment for acute wry neck, with pain usually resolving within 2 to 3 sessions. Depending on the underlying cause, further appointments may be necessary to address the root of the problem. Your physiotherapist may use a combination of treatments, including:

  • Joint mobilizations to improve joint function
  • Soft tissue treatment, such as massage, to relieve muscle spasms
  • Dry Needling
  • Taping to offload the neck or shoulder blades
  • Home exercises, including stretching and strengthening targeting the neck, shoulder blades, and overall posture

Addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to this condition is essential. Left untreated, wry neck can lead to stiffened segments or increased muscle tension, resulting in recurrent episodes.

What to do now?

If you or someone you know is suffering from acute wry neck or any other neck or postural condition, seek a physiotherapy assessment and treatment plan at Inline Physio Moorooka, Samford or Ashgrove. With no need for a GP referral and the ability to claim private health rebates immediately, our physiotherapists can effectively treat acute neck pain and stiffness providing relief and preventing future occurrences. Don’t let this stiff and painful neck condition affect your well-being; take the proactive step towards recovery and improved neck health.

Book an appointment HERE.