Woke up with your neck stuck? Let's get it turning again

Yes, but it is usually a different condition. Babies can be born with congenital muscular torticollis, where a tight muscle on one side of the neck holds the head tilted, often with a flat spot on the skull. It is managed with positioning, handling advice and gentle stretching, and early treatment matters. Older children can also develop a sudden locked neck similar to the adult presentation.

No. Cervical dystonia, sometimes called spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily and pull the head into abnormal positions over months or years. Wry neck is a short-lived musculoskeletal episode that settles as the joint and muscles recover. If your head posture has changed gradually rather than suddenly, tell your practitioner, as cervical dystonia needs medical review.

A pillow that keeps your head level with your spine is the goal, rather than a specific brand or material. Side sleepers usually need a thicker pillow to fill the gap between the shoulder and head. Back sleepers need a thinner one. Sleeping on your stomach holds your neck at full rotation for hours, which is worth avoiding while symptoms are settling.

Manipulation is one option among several, and it is only used after screening. Your practitioner checks your symptoms, your movement, your nerves and your health history before choosing any hands-on technique. Many wry neck episodes respond well to gentler joint mobilisation and soft tissue work instead. If you would prefer not to have your neck manipulated, say so and your treatment will be adjusted.

Spasm is a protective reflex. When a joint in your neck is inflamed, your nervous system increases tension in the surrounding muscles to stop you moving into the range that hurts. It feels like the muscle is the problem, but the muscle is responding to the joint. Treating the joint and moving within comfortable range usually reduces the spasm faster than stretching hard into it.

Only if you can turn your head far enough to check mirrors and blind spots safely. Restricted rotation is the main risk, because you cannot complete a proper head check before changing lanes. If turning your head is painful or limited, arrange another way to travel until your movement improves. Pain relief that causes drowsiness is another reason to stay off the road.