The most widely used pharmacy remedies for treating neck torticollis are analgesics, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants that can be taken as tablets or applied directly to the pain site by means of ointments, creams, gels, or patches.
The torticollis consists of an involuntary contraction of the neck muscles, which can be caused by poor posture when sleeping or sitting at work, for example, resulting in pain on the side of the neck and difficulty in moving the head. Learn more about torticollis symptoms and what home exercises can help.
The most commonly used remedies for treating torticollis, which should only be used if indicated by your doctor, are:
1. Gel, creams or ointments
These products can be used to treat pain and inflammation by containing diclofenac, ethofenamate, methyl salicylate or picetoprofen, but also to provide instant relief due to the presence of camphor or menthol, for example.
Examples of products with these components are Cataflam, Calminex, Voltaren or Gelol, for example, which can be found in pharmacies.
2. Plasters
The plasters are adhesives that stick to the site of the torticollis and may also contain analgesics and anti-inflammatories that are released throughout the day. Examples of such products are Targus Lat or Salonpas plaster.
There are also patches that release constant and prolonged heat, which help relax muscles and relieve pain, which are available in the BodiHeat or Dorflex brands, for example. See more about this product.
3. Tablets
In the latter case, it may be necessary to take medications that contain analgesics such as paracetamol or dipyrone, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, muscle relaxants such as thiocolchicoside or carisoprodol, or even a combination of them.
Examples of remedies that may contain some of these components are Ana-Flex, Torsilax, Tandrilax, Coltrax or Mioflex, for example, which can only be purchased by prescription.
In addition to these medications, there are also natural options to deal with the discomfort caused by torticollis like massage, physical therapy or exercises that can be done at home. Watch the following video and check out some tips that can do away with torticollis in one day:
There is also a type of torticollis, called congenital torticollis, which happens soon at birth, in the baby, and the treatment must be guided by a pediatrician, since it is different from a common torticollis and requires a more specific and prolonged treatment. Learn more about congenital torticollis in the baby.
