Acute wry neck (facet or z-joint)
Acute wry neck is characterised by a sudden onset of neck pain associated with an extreme limitation in neck movement.
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Additional Information
Home Treatments
- Heat / ice: both heat and ice have been recommended for an acute wry neck and the debate between the two is ongoing. Ice is recommended to reduce local inflammation whereas heat is recommended to reduce muscle spasm. The outcome comes down to what gives more relief
- Towel bracing (using a folded towel to offload the weight of the head and the cervical z-joints)
- Gentle movement: to prevent further locking
- Avoiding strenuous activity until neck has settled
Professional Medical Treatments
- Gentle mobilisation through affected areas of the cervical spine
- Soft tissue management (gentle massage or dry needling)
- Techniques to restore normal movement of the neck
- Advice regarding pillow (if appropriate – wrong pillow height or density can predispose neck to this injury)
- Postural advice (often education regarding how to offload neck from prolonged postures
Physical Therapy Exercises
- Gentle active movements to restore neck function
- Neck stretches
- Deep neck muscle strengthening if appropriate (if reoccurring or if strength deficit identified)
Exercise Techniques to Prevent Injury
- Offloading postural exercises
- Stretches / active movements to reduce stiffness that could result in acute flare up