What is Acute Wry Neck?

Written By Nick Stamatiou
Acute wry neck is characterized by a sudden onset of sharp neck pain with deformity, limitation of movement and unilateral or at least asymmetrical symptoms

Understanding your injury – Brisbane Physiotherapy Edition.

Overview of Acute Wry Neck:

Description

- Acute wry neck is characterized by a sudden onset of sharp neck pain with deformity, limitation of movement and unilateral or at least asymmetrical symptoms

- 2 common types

o   Apophyseal joint

o   Discogenic Wry neck

These 2 types can be differentiated based on the history and physical examination

Causes

- May occur after prolonged abnormal positions e.g., after a long sleep in an awkward position.

Acute wry neck is characterized by a sudden onset of sharp neck pain with deformity, limitation of movement and unilateral or at least asymmetrical symptoms

- May also occur after trauma e.g., sudden, quick movement due to sport, work or motor vehicle accident.

Acute Wry Neck Presentation

- Unilateral localized neck pain

- Antalgic head posture – head rotated and flex away from affected side due to pain and muscle spasm.

- Limited head movement towards affected side

- Nearly full, but pain free movement to nonpainful side.

- May have radiation of pain to the medial shoulder blade region

- Poor postural control

- History of degenerative joint disease, similar episodes or general hypermobility

Nick Stamatiou

Nick has a strong interest in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy and is motivated to help people reach their desired goals and to achieve their full potential.

His experience includes:

  • Sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist in a private practice setting

  • Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation inpatient physiotherapist at Brisbane Private Hospital

  • Clinical Reformer and Mat-work Pilates instructor

  • Football gameday physiotherapist

While Nick is skilled in managing all areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, he has a particular interest in the rehabilitation of muscle strains, hip, knee and lower back conditions. Nick offers dry needling, massage and joint mobilisation to compliment exercise prescription.

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Managing your Acute Wry Neck
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