Creator: Dr. Krishna Sunil Shah
Published: 2017-10-20T22:30:18-04:00

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 45 year old uncle has a wry neck which is bent to the left side since more than four months now. He has seen an orthopedician and a neurologist, but they have not found a proper diagnosis or solution.

Answered by Dr. Krishna Sunil Shah

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Wry neck (Torticollis) happens when there is an instability in the neck muscle causing (in this case), a weakness of the right side and a tightness of the left side thus leading to a left-side tilt in the neck.

I would like to know if your uncle underwent any investigations like X-ray. Whether his condition is correctable or not can be decided only after going through his reports.

For now, I suggest he start physiotherapy which includes a rigorous stretching exercise for the left-side neck muscles and strengthening exercises for the right-side neck muscles.

Feel free to contact me for further queries.

For more information consult a physiotherapist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/physiotherapist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you very much for your reply. Yes, he has gone through X-Ray, MRI and CT scan. The reports are attached. Can you please review the reports and let me know the further course of action? He is facing a difficulty in riding bikes or focusing on work. It is a very frustrating experience and urgently needs a solution. I would be so grateful if you can guide us further.

Answered by Dr. Krishna Sunil Shah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through all the reports as well the photo of your uncle (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) reports suggest that he is suffering from a slipped disc of the cervical spine causing nerve impingement (nerve is getting compressed) because the disc is getting ruptured and is shifting.

From his X-ray, I can see that there are degenerative changes which are age-related, but he also has a calcium deficiency. So, his bones are weak and also the muscles around the neck.

For now, ask him to apply an ice pack around the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes twice or thrice a day.

Avoid straining activities like lifting heavy weights and if possible also avoid bike riding.

He has to start with physiotherapy treatment which involves cervical traction and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) which will be very helpful.

Start with isometric neck exercise. Let me know if I can brief you with all the neck exercises so that you can at least start with the neck exercise for him.

For further queries consult a physiotherapist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/physiotherapist

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