Cervical Dystonia

A neurological condition in which the neck muscles contract involuntarily — and the pain that comes with it. How we assess and manage both.

Cervical dystonia — sometimes called spasmodic torticollis — is a neurological condition in which the muscles of the neck contract involuntarily, pulling the head into an abnormal position or causing it to turn, tilt, or pull forward or back. For many people the most difficult part is not the posture itself but the pain: a deep, aching, often constant discomfort through the neck and shoulders that can be exhausting to live with.

The contractions are not something you can simply will away. They arise from the way the brain is signalling the muscles, which is why cervical dystonia sits at the intersection of neurology and pain medicine — and why managing it well usually means treating both the muscle overactivity and the pain it generates.

At Persistent Pain Solutions, we assess the pattern of muscle involvement, understand how it is affecting your daily life, and put together a management plan aimed at reducing both the spasm and the associated pain. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

• Botulinum toxin therapy — small, targeted injections that reduce overactivity in the specific muscles driving the abnormal posture and pain.
• Pain medications and topical treatments, where appropriate, to address the aching and muscle-related discomfort.
• Physical therapy and a tailored rehabilitation approach to support posture, movement, and function.
• Coordinated care with your GP and, where needed, your neurologist.

Cervical dystonia is a long-term condition, and the goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms, improve your comfort, and help you maintain function and quality of life over time.