Patterns are not fixed and may change over time. An acute form of torticollis, known as acute wryneck, is the type most frequently encountered in EDs. Acute torticollis develops overnight in young and middle-aged adults. Patients present with painful neck spasms. On examination, cervical muscle spasm is visible and palpable.
Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within two weeks.
Treatment is symptomatic and consists of heat, massage, supportive cervical collar, muscle relaxants, and analgesics. Stress and emotional events may exacerbate symptoms of torticollis. Persistent neck deviation occasionally elicits avoidance behaviors. Considerable somatic and psychological disability may accompany chronic torticollis. During later stages of the chronic disease, patients complain more of pain and difficulty performing motor activities.