Cervical Dystonia & Neck Pain Management
Oct 14, 2015
Cervical dystonia is an uncommon condition that causes spasms in the neck muscles. It can be incredibly painful and exhausting. The purpose of this article is to define cervical dystonia, and discuss the causes of the condition, as well as some options for treatment.
Cervical dystonia is also known as spasmodic torticollis. It is a condition in which involuntary muscle contractions in the neck causing pain and mobility issues. Cervical dystonia is quite rare, but it can impact patients of any age. In certain cases, the development of cervical dystonia can be linked to a traumatic injury to the muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders. In other cases, the exact cause is a mystery. The common symptoms of cervical dystonia include:
Sometimes these symptoms go away on their own without any active treatment, but this is not commonplace. Most patients require treatment to effectively manage symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the condition. However, various treatment options can minimize symptoms and decrease the frequency of episodes. Treatment typically begins with various medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Botox injections can also be effective at decreasing the muscle spasms. Surgery may also be helpful in some cases when conservative options fail. Deep brain stimulation surgery and selective denervation surgery are potential treatment strategies.
Cervical dystonia is rare, but patients who suffer from the condition experience real pain that can affect their quality of life. Although the condition is indefnintely chronic, there are ways to manage pain from cervical dystonia and allow you to live life to the fullest. Contact the pain management specialists and Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota today to set up an appointment and get on the path to treatment.