Spasmodic Torticollis

Spasmodic Torticollis, also referred to as Cervical Dystonia, is a debilitating neurological disorder which affects about 90,000 people in the United States. This condition can make it difficult for patients to function in their daily lives, with symptoms caused by intermittent or sustained contractions in the muscles that control the position of the neck. These contractions can also cause uneven shoulders, and tremors in the arms or head. Patients with Spasmodic Torticollis typically also experience constant pain.

Although there is no cure for Spasmodic Torticollis, treatment options exist to help alleviate the symptoms of this disorder. Medication and physical therapy are known to have positive effects on patients suffering from Spasmodic Torticollis.

Botulinum toxin injections, better known as Botox injections, are FDA approved for the treatment of patients with Spasmodic Torticollis.

Botox has proven highly effective in alleviating symptoms. The injection, administered directly into the muscle, acts as a nerve blocker which prevents the release of pain signals from the brain. It relaxes the muscles, granting patients relief from their symptoms.

At Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our physicians are trained to administer Botox injections for the treatment of Spasmodic Torticollis. During the treatment, the physician will administer the injections directly into the contracted muscles. The number of injections in one visit will vary by patient. The treatment typically requires multiple injection cycles to produce noticeable results. The patient may be required to return every three to four months for recurring treatments. Although results will appear gradually, Botox injection treatment over an extended period of time is a proven and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of Spasmodic Torticollis.