Cervical dystonia is a form of focal dystonia. Cervical dystonia refers to a painful condition of the neck arising from involuntary contraction of the neck muscles. The pain is attended with a tilting of the neck and head. In some cases, the head and neck can tilt in a forward or backward position. Cervical dystonia is also known as spasmodic torticollis. Homeopathy carries an excellent scope to treat cervical dystonia. With the use of homeopathic medicines, the episodes of neck muscle contraction, as well as the intensity, are seen to reduce with time. Lachanathes, Lycopodium, and Rhus Tox are the top homeopathic medicines for cervical dystonia.
Homeopathic Treatment of Cervical Dystonia
Homeopathic medicines help in relaxing the contracted neck muscles and reduce the pain associated with it in a very effective manner. There are numerous homeopathic medicines for cervical dystonia. These homeopathic medicines treat cervical dystonia in a very gentle and natural way. They are made from naturally occurring substances and hence are very safe to use in all age groups and are free from any side effects. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for cervical dystonia among them is selected after a detailed analysis in every individual case.
Homeopathic Medicines for Cervical Dystonia
Lachnanthes – For Cervical Dystonia with Stiff Neck and Head Drawn to the Right Side
Lachnanthes is a natural medicine for cervical dystonia prepared from plant Lachnanthes Tinctoria (also known as Red Root.) The natural order of this plant is Haemodoraceae. Lachnanthes is a top listed homeopathic medicine to treat cervical dystonia (torticollis). Lachnanthes is indicated when the neck muscles are contracted with the head drawn to the right side. There is a pain in the neck. The pain and stiffness extend from neck to the head. Pain in neck worsens from neck movement or bending the head backward.
Lycopodium – For Cervical Dystonia with Neck Stiffness Causing Drawing of Head to Left Side
Homeopathic medicine Lycopodium is prepared from the spores of a plant Lycopodium Clavatum, commonly known as Club Moss. It belongs to the natural order Lycopodiaceae. Lycopodium is well indicated for cases of cervical dystonia causing drawing of the head to the left side. The neck is very stiff and towards the left side. There is a darting pain in the neck. The pain and stiffness of neck radiate to the shoulders too.
Rhus Tox – For Cervical Dystonia with Stiff Neck
Rhus Tox is a natural homeopathic medicine for cervical dystonia with a markedly stiff neck. The neck muscles are contracted, tense and painful. Movement of neck worsens the complaint. A person needing Rhus Tox may feel relief from heat application on the neck. Stiff neck due to exposure to a draft of air is treated well with Rhus Tox. Cases of cervical dystonia with a history of injury to the neck or shoulder also respond well to homeopathic remedy Rhus Tox.
Cimicifuga – For Cervical Dystonia with Stiff Neck from Cold Air Exposure
Cimicifuga offers a natural treatment for cervical dystonia that is prepared from the root of a plant Cimicifuga Racemosa, commonly known by the name of Black Cohosh. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Cimicifuga is well indicated for cervical dystonia with a stiff neck arising from exposure to cold air. The neck muscles are highly painful and contracted, and also sensitive to touch. Pain worsens upon moving the hands.
Causticum – For Cervical Dystonia with Stiff Neck and Pain in Back of Head
Causticum is an effective medicine for cervical dystonia with a stiff neck attended with pain in the back of the head. Neck muscles are contracted, tightly bound and the person may find it very difficult to move the neck and head. Along with the above symptoms, there may be a tearing pain in the neck muscles.
Cicuta – For Cervical Dystonia with Head Drawn Backwards
Cicuta is a natural remedy for cervical problems prepared from the root of a plant Cicuta Virosa or Water Hemlock. The natural order of this plant is Umbelliferae. Use of Cicuta is considered in cases of cervical dystonia where there is a tendency to draw the head backward. The neck muscles contract intensely and become hard. The person is unable to move the head due to tensed muscles. There may be a dull pain in the back of the head.
Medorrhinum – For Cervical Dystonia with Head Drawn Forwards
Homeopathic medicine Medorrhinum is useful for treating cervical dystonia where the head is drawn forwards. There appears spasm of the neck muscles and chin is drawn down to the sternum. There is an intense drawing pain in the neck. Pain at the base of the brain may be present. A sensation of burning heat may be present in the neck along with the above symptoms.
Zincum Met – For Cervical Dystonia with Stiffness and Tearing Pain in Neck
Zincum Met is a natural homeopathic remedy for cervical dystonia with stiffness and tearing pain in the neck. Pain from the side of the neck may extend to the shoulder. The tearing pain is most felt on the right side of the neck. Pain may also be felt just below the jaw and behind the ear in some cases. The stiffness of the neck is most marked during the morning.
Causes of Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia is an idiopathic condition i.e. the reason behind the cervical dystonia is not known. Sometimes cervical dystonia is seen to run in families, so a genetic link is seen in this condition. Sometimes a history of injury to the neck or shoulders may be present. Cervical dystonia can develop at any age but is mostly seen to appear after the age of 30 years. The condition of cervical dystonia is more commonly seen in females as compared to the males. Sternocleidomastoid, trapezius and other neck muscles are involved in this condition.
Symptoms of Cervical Dystonia
The main feature of cervical dystonia is a tilting of the head and neck to either side of the body. In some cases pulling of head and neck forward (anterocollis) or backward (retrocollis) may also be present. The intensity of the muscle contraction varies from mild to severe form. Along with the above features, there is neck pain and discomfort. Sometimes the neck pain may also radiate to the shoulders. In some cases, jerking or tremors of the head may also be noted. Cervical dystonia may also be seen to spread to other areas like the face and the jaw. Headaches may also arise in such conditions. The symptoms of cervical dystonia seem to worsen from stress and motion while rest seems to bring relief.