A dull ache results from muscle spasms. You can feel a tight band and some tenderness in the muscles, giving rise to the pain. Pain can also come from secondary contractions of other muscles, from nerves, and from degeneration of the neck spine, in which case arthritis produces pain. Shooting pain is more likely a nerve-generated pain. Neck dystonia can aggravate arthritis and make it get worse faster.
Chronic torticollis can cause wear and tear to the neck and limit the range of motion.
This may leave the joints more susceptible to arthritis. It is common for people with CD to experience headaches-these headaches are usually quite treatable. Many people have trouble with pressure on the occipital nerve at the back of the head which can cause severe pain. Nerve blocks with local anesthetic may be helpful. It's common for people with torticollis to have shoulder problems.