Abstract
Torticollis is a term that describes abnormal posturing of the head secondary to the contraction of the neck musculature. Spasmodic torticollis is a rare form of this disorder that has been attributed to disturbances in the extrapyramidal system. It is a form of focal dystonia that primarily affects women in their forties and usually progresses slowly, leading to severe disability. Although the torticollis may be painful, the patient’s main preoccupation is usually with the deformity itself. The diagnosis is often delayed because of the unusual clinical presentation and these patients are frequently labelled as neurotic. The following report illustrates a case of torticollis and thoracolumbar scoliosis secondary to dystonia.
Keywords: spasmodic torticollis, scoliosis, dystonia, chiropractic
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