First off, make sure you are seen by a neurologist for a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, cervical dystonia is very commonly misdiagnosed and patients may see five providers before getting a proper diagnosis.
Typically treatment is effective for the head tilt and tremor, but for patients who still have symptoms, there are a few day to day approaches that can help. One is called a sensory trick – a light touch to the chin, or back of the head, temporarily reduces the dystonia. This is not meant to be a rough forced movement, just a sensory reminder to alleviate the symptoms for a moment.
Many patients find sitting in a high-backed chair more comfortable than a chair without neck support.
In terms of social embarrassment, it really depends on the situation whether patients wish to divulge the cause of the head shaking or not. A simple declaration that they’re not nodding yes or no, but rather dealing with a tremor, may be all that’s necessary.