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I can't move my neck (Torticollis)
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As the weather continues to get nicer, many of us out there are going to start sleeping with the window open. Everyone in western Pennsylvania is ready for spring around December 1st. Yesterday whenever the weather was just above 50 degrees, I saw a young woman wearing shorts and flip flops. I don't think it is quite warm enough for that just yet, however; spring is just around the corner.
The reason I bring sleeping with the window open, is that occasionally sleeping with a cold draft on your neck can result in a condition known as torticollis. Torticollis is a severe spasming that results in pain in the neck area. The spasming and pain are so intense that you simply cannot move your neck. There are many other causes for torticollis such as whiplash, but this time of year it tends to pop its head up quite a bit with my patients. 
This condition can be especially inconvenient while driving as it severely limits your ability to turn your head. Most people compensate for this by turning at the waist, but you will notice that you cannot turn as far. The best course of treatment for taking care of this sometimes extremely painful condition is to see your chiropractor. Mobilization of the spine can decrease the spasming in the neck and increase the mobility allowing for a reduction in pain. Other courses of care would include icing and anti-inflammatory's. Most people like to use heat on muscle spasms, however; if you refer to my article on icing vs. heating, you will see that ice is a much better treatment in this case.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
