Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
Written by Dr Phillip Mifsud, Chiropractor & Exercise Physiologist and founder of Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty. Based on Dr Phil’s own video and clinical experience.
Watch the video
Torticollis (Wry Neck)
Dr Phil explains this in under two minutes.
What is wry neck?
Wry neck, or acute torticollis, is one of the most common neck problems Dr Phil sees. You wake up with stiffness and soreness on one side of your neck and cannot turn your head as far. Movement to one side is fine; turning the other way pinches or catches.
Why is it so common on Mondays?
Dr Phil often sees wry neck after a weekend: a late night, falling asleep on the couch, or sleeping in one awkward position for too long when you are overtired. Holding the neck in one position for hours irritates the small joints and makes the surrounding muscles spasm to protect them. That protective spasm is what locks the movement.
How is wry neck treated?
Assessment
We check which movements are restricted and rule out anything more serious.
Hands-on treatment
Soft tissue work to ease the protective muscle spasm, followed by gentle mobilisation or adjustment of the stiff joints, usually restores a lot of movement quickly.
Keep it moving
Afterwards, gentle, pain-free neck movements through the day stop it tightening up again. Many people find a warm shower helps the muscles relax.
How can I stop it happening again?
- Avoid falling asleep on the couch or sitting upright
- Use a pillow that keeps your neck level with your body
- If you are run down or have had a big week, be mindful of how you sleep
- Take regular breaks from screens and keep them at eye level
Who at Bodyline Health can help with wry neck?
Because Bodyline Health has several disciplines under one roof at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty, your care can be shared between practitioners who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor): assessment, soft tissue work and gentle mobilisation.
- Keryn Arrowsmith (Myotherapist): releasing neck and upper shoulder muscle spasm.
- Jack Robertson (Remedial massage): massage to keep the neck and shoulders loose.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical attention for a stiff neck with fever, severe headache, sensitivity to light or a rash; after a fall, accident or blow to the head; or with numbness, weakness or pins and needles in the arms. Call 000 in an emergency. Twisted necks in babies and young children should be checked by a doctor.
Further reading on wry neck: Neck pain (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
What is the fastest way to fix wry neck?
Gentle hands-on treatment to release the muscle spasm and free up the stiff joints, followed by gentle, pain-free movement through the day. Many people improve noticeably after the first treatment.
Why can I turn my neck one way but not the other?
The irritated joints and protective muscle spasm are on one side, so turning towards that side pinches while turning away is still comfortable.
How long does wry neck last?
With treatment it often settles within a few days. Without treatment it can linger for a week or more.
Should I use heat or ice for wry neck?
Wry neck is mostly protective muscle spasm, so many people find warmth, such as a warm shower, helps the muscles relax. If it follows an injury, get it assessed first.
Can a chiropractor help wry neck?
Yes. It is one of the most common neck problems chiropractors treat, using soft tissue work and gentle mobilisation.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
