Maybe your neck feels “stuck”, painful to move, or you’re holding your head slightly tilted to one side. Neck pain is a common complaint, and you might be experiencing wry neck (acute torticollis), a common and usually short-term neck condition. Here’s what you can expect if you come to Physio on the Green, from settling pain through to restoring normal movement.
What is Wry Neck?
Wry neck, also known as acute torticollis, is a condition where the neck becomes painful and stiff, often causing the head to tilt or rotate slightly. This usually happens due to irritation of the neck joints, muscles, or surrounding soft tissues.
Common features include:
- Sudden onset of neck pain
- Muscle spasm causing restricted movement
- Pain with turning the head
- Difficulty finding comfortable positions
Although symptoms can feel severe, most cases improve well with the right management.
How Does Wry Neck Develop?
Wry neck can sometimes occur without a clear cause, but common triggers include:
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Sudden or unaccustomed neck movements
- Prolonged desk or screen posture
- Stress and muscle tension
- Minor neck joint irritation
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on one side of the neck
- Stiffness and reduced ability to turn the head
- Muscle spasm
- Pain referring into the upper back or shoulder
- Pain when trying to correct head position
How Can We Help at Physio on the Green?
Assessment & Diagnosis
Our assessment focuses on identifying the painful structures and ruling out more serious causes of neck pain. This may include:
- Assessment of neck range of motion
- Muscle tenderness and joint assessment
- Neurological screening if needed
- Postural assessment
- Identification of aggravating movements
If needed, we can also advise if GP review is appropriate, although imaging is rarely required for typical cases.
Rehabilitation: Restoring Movement and Reducing Pain
Treatment focuses on restoring normal movement as early as possible while settling irritation.
Early Phase: Settle Pain and Restore Movement
- Advice to keep the neck gently moving
- Pain relief strategies
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Hands-on treatment if appropriate
- Advice on comfortable sleeping positions
Mid Phase: Restore Normal Movement
- Progressive mobility exercises
- Light strengthening of neck and upper back muscles
- Postural exercises
- Gradual return to normal daily movements
Late Phase: Prevent Recurrence
- Strengthening exercises for neck and upper back
- Workstation and posture advice
- Strategies to manage future flare-ups
- Long-term movement and exercise advice
When is Further Assessment Needed?
Most cases of wry neck improve within days to a few weeks. However, further assessment may be needed if there is:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Significant arm pain or numbness
- Neurological symptoms
- History of significant trauma
We will always screen for these during your assessment.
Evidence-Based Approach
At Physio on the Green, we follow best evidence which supports early movement, reassurance, and gradual exercise rather than prolonged rest.
Our approach includes:
- Education and reassurance
- Early movement strategies
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Progressive exercise
- Prevention advice
Final Key Takeaway
Wry neck can feel alarming due to the sudden pain and stiffness, but it is usually very manageable with the right treatment approach. Early movement and guided rehabilitation can help you recover faster and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
At Physio on the Green, we aim to reduce your pain, restore your movement, and give you the tools to prevent future episodes so you can return to normal activities with confidence.
If you’re experiencing neck pain or restricted movement, book an appointment or get in touch, early treatment can speed up your recovery.
Written by Nick De Vries | Physiotherapist | Bike Expert
References
Binder, A. I. (2007). Cervical spondylosis and neck pain. BMJ, 334(7592), 527–531.
Childs, J. D., Cleland, J. A., Elliott, J. M., et al. (2008). Neck pain clinical practice guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 38(9), A1–A34.
Blanpied, P. R., Gross, A. R., Elliott, J. M., et al. (2017). Neck pain clinical practice guidelines revision. JOSPT, 47(7), A1–A83.Gross, A., Kay, T., Paquin, J., et al. (2015). Exercises for mechanical neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1)