Cervical Dystonia Treatment

Cervical dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the neck that make your head twist to one side or tilt forwards or backwards uncontrollably. This rare disorder primarily affects middle-aged women. No cure currently exists but a range of treatments and self-care strategies, used in combination, can help manage the condition. In rare cases, surgery is required.

Medications and Therapy

• Botunlinum toxin injections (Botox and Myobloc), best known as an anti-wrinkle treatment, are the primary treatment for cervical dystonia. Injections into the neck help stop the contractions and usually provide immediate relief. Treatments are repeated every three to four months. Parkinson's drugs normally used to combat tremors can also ease contractions and are often used in conjunction with botulinum toxin. Muscle relaxants serve a dual purpose since they can also reduce the anxiety that can trigger symptoms; the most commonly used include Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Kemstro.

  Improving posture through stretching and strengthening exercises can alleviate pain and enhance the effectiveness of medications. A doctor or physical therapist can show you appropriate exercises.

Self-Care Strategies

• Reducing stress is key to managing this condition since it makes symptoms worse. Avoid stressful situations as best you can and try stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, massage or positive visualization. Adequate rest can keep symptoms from manifesting so getting enough sleep and taking time during the day to lie down and relax are beneficial. The mind/body technique biofeedback can also be helpful. This technique is based on the idea that the power of the mind can cause physiological changes in the body when symptoms of a condition begin to manifest.

  Certain maneuvers known as "sensory tricks" involve touching the affected area and nearby body parts; these tricks can help stop spasms. Examples include touching the opposite side of the face or applying pressure to the back of the neck. Different tricks work for different people so experiment to find one that works for you.

Surgery

• In the event that non-invasive techniques fail to provide relief, surgical options exist. Deep brain stimulation involves inserting a thin, insulated wire into the brain that is attached to the part of the brain that regulates neck movement. This electrode is connected to a wire that passes under the skin to a small battery pack in the chest; this battery pack delivers tiny electric shocks that interrupt nerve signals that cause symptoms. Cutting the muscles or nerves that spasm is also an option.