Doc Tel Boy

Spasmodic Torticollis or Cervical Dystonia



Posted: Tuesday, September 06, 2011

by Doc Tel Boy
Back Trouble UK

Spasmodic Torticollis (ST) is a painful and debilitating neurological movement disorder. It is also known as "Cervical Dystonia." and is referred to by many as "torticollis". Approximately 2 in every 10,000 people - about 20,000 people in the United Kingdom - are known to suffer from ST.

This movement disorder is caused by a dysfunction of the brain. The symptoms are caused by intermittent or sustained contractions of the muscles around the neck which control the position of the head. This causes the head to lean to one side, or be pulled forward or backward. The shoulders may also be uneven and some patients experience tremors in the head or arms. ST is usually accompanied by constant and extreme pain.

ST can resemble other disorders including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy and wry neck (an acute episode of pain and spasm in the neck that resolves itself in days or weeks.)

ST can limit a person's ability to function. As a localized disability this disorder does not directly affect other body systems. Because it can be more severe during times of anxiety or stress, ST was once thought to be a psychiatric disorder. Research has shown, however, that while ST does indeed seem to originate in the brain, it is clearly a neurological disorder rather than a psychiatric one.

ST is different in every person. If you have spasmodic torticollis, there are others who understand your pain and your frustration. There are people you can talk to without needing lengthy explanations. And there are people who can help: doctors who can provide treatment, patients who can share coping tips and inspiration, and organizations like the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association who can provide information and other forms of support.

While there is still no cure, many people with ST can relief from the pain and disability caused by this neurological disorder using a combination of treatments including medications, botulinum toxin injections, physical therapy, "alternative" treatments and stress reduction techniques. If none of those methods work for you, as a last resort, there are two surgical procedures called Denervation Surgery and Deep Brain Stimulation that may help.

THE NATIONAL SPASMODIC TORTICOLLIS ASSOCIATION – (NSTA) is there to help you whether or not you are a member of their organization.

To visit their website, just click NSTA
Terry has been involved in General Medicine for over 20 years, he is a keen sports player and still turns out most Saturdays on the Rugby pitch, although his body wishes that he didn't!

Dragged up in Liverpool and supporting the BLUE half of Merseyside. Terry went on to study Medicine and initially serve in HM Forces, serving all over the world and completing just over 15 years service.

Terry launched Back Trouble UK, during 2008, however the Therapist Directory did not go online until January 2009. The main reason that Terry launched the website was so that people in the UK who were suffering from a Back Condition. Would have access to quality, clear, jargon free Back Pain Health Information, and online access to UK Registered Back Pain Practitioners.

At www.BackTrouble.co.uk

This Article has been viewed 346 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.