Cervical dystonia: A challenging neck condition

Summary: Imagine waking up with a stiff neck that just won't go away. For people like Judy, a school teacher, this is a daily reality called cervical dystonia. It is a condition where your neck muscles squeeze on their own, making your head twist, wobble, or shake.

It happens most often to women in middle age. Living with it can be very frustrating and embarrassing. For example, people might think you are always shaking your head "no" when you are actually just trying to sit still! It can also make driving or getting dressed hard to do.

The good news? It is very treatable! Doctors usually use Botox shots in the neck every few months to relax the muscles and stop the shaking. If you have a stubborn neck twitch that won't leave, it might be time to see a nerve doctor.

For more details, see rssapp-health-harvard-edu at health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/cervical-dystonia-a-challenging-neck-condition (opens in new tab)