How to prepare for a video visit about Torticollis (Acute Wry Neck) - Triage

Audience: adult

Torticollis, also known as acute wry neck, causes your neck muscles to tighten, making your head tilt or turn to one side. This condition often develops suddenly and can cause pain or stiffness. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms and guide you on next steps. During the visit, you may be asked to show your neck movement and describe your pain. Telemedicine can help determine if your condition is mild and manageable at home or if you need further in-person care. Preparing well for your video visit can help your provider understand your situation better and offer the best advice. Remember, this guidance is educational and does not replace a full medical diagnosis or emergency care if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening neck pain not relieved by rest or painkillers — seek urgent medical care.
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in arms or legs — contact emergency services immediately.
• Fever combined with stiff neck or difficulty swallowing — get emergency evaluation without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking for torticollis.
• Guidance on gentle neck exercises and home care.
• Advice on over-the-counter pain relief options.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical treatments requiring hands-on therapy.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Emergency situations with neurological symptoms or infection signs.
• Prescribing controlled medications requiring close monitoring.

What is Torticollis (Acute Wry Neck)?

Torticollis is a condition where your neck muscles tighten, causing your head to tilt or twist to one side. It often starts suddenly and can make moving your neck painful or difficult. It may happen after an injury, sleeping in an awkward position, or for no clear reason. Most cases improve with simple care, but some need medical attention.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as when the neck pain started, how severe it is, and if you have other symptoms like fever or numbness. You may be asked to gently move your head during the video to show your range of motion. The provider will use this information to decide if you can manage your symptoms at home or if you need further tests or treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider from home. For torticollis, it can help by:

It is a convenient way to get guidance quickly without travel.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation. These include:

If you experience these, seek emergency care immediately.

Tips to Prepare for Your Video Visit

To get the most from your video visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows neck movement.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you need assistance.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset and severity.
• Have a list of current medications ready.
• Ensure your device camera works and is positioned to show your neck movements.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice given by your provider, such as gentle stretching or rest.
• Take any recommended over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening or new signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Seek emergency care if you experience red flag symptoms.

FAQs

What causes torticollis?

Torticollis can be caused by muscle strain, injury, sleeping in an awkward position, or sometimes no clear reason. It results from tightening of neck muscles causing your head to tilt.

Can I treat torticollis at home?

Many mild cases improve with home care like gentle neck stretches, applying heat or cold, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Your provider can guide you on safe exercises during your video visit.

When should I see a doctor in person?

See a doctor in person if your neck pain is severe, if you have numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, fever with stiff neck, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. These may be signs of a serious condition.

Is torticollis permanent?

Most cases of acute torticollis resolve within days to weeks with proper care. Chronic or recurring torticollis is less common and may require specialist evaluation.

Will I need imaging tests?

Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are not usually needed for simple torticollis but may be recommended if your provider suspects an underlying problem during an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Torticollis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Neck Pain — Mayo Clinic.
3. Acute Neck Pain — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.