Torticollis (cervical dystonia or spasmodic torticollis) is a
type of movement disorder in which the muscles controlling the
neck cause sustained twisting or frequent jerking. In
torticollis, certain muscles controlling the neck undergo
repetitive or sustained contraction, causing the neck to jerk or
twist to the side. Cervical dystonia causes forward twisting,
and is called antecollis. Backward twisting is known as
retrocollis. The abnormal posture caused by torticollis is often
debilitating, and is usually painful. Torticollis most commonly
begins between age 30–60, with females affected twice as often
as males. According to the National Spasmodic Torticollis
Association, torticollis affects 83,000 people in the United
States. Dystonia tends to become more severe during the first
months or years after onset, and may spread to other regions,
especially the jaw, arm, or leg. Torticollis should not be
confused with such other causes of abnormal neck posture as
orthopedic or congenital problems. Causes and symp