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 to one side. 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. Homeopathic medicines help in relaxing the contracted neck muscles and reduce the pain associated with it in a very effective manner. In conventional mode, botulinum toxin injections and muscle relaxants are usually given in these cases and in severe cases surgical intervention is also suggested. This treatment may have its own side effects, while homeopathic medicines are totally free of any side effects.
There are numerous homeopathic medicines for treating cases of cervical dystonia. These are recommended for both acute as well as chronic cases of cervical dystonia. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for cervical dystonia among them is selected after a detailed analysis in every individual case. The peculiar characteristic symptoms in each case serves as the basis of medicine selection. Such well selected medicines provide wonderful results. It is advised to follow complete course of treatment as recommended by a homeopathic doctor to get the most benefits out of these medicines. The results vary from case to case depending on the intensity of the symptoms. Cases having mild to moderate intensity may recover completely, while in severe cases only management of symptoms can be done with homeopathic treatment.
Homeopathic medicines are free from any chemicals or toxic matter. These 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 have zero side effects. These medicines are used in highly diluted form that work by stimulating the self-healing mechanism of body to overcome health issues naturally on its own.
Another advantage of using homeopathic medicines besides being safe is that these are not habit-forming, thus they do donot create any dependency. On getting substantial relief in cervical dystonia, one can easily stop them.
Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Cervical Dystonia
Lachnanthes, Lycopodium, Rhus Tox, Causticum, Cicuta, Medorrhinum and Zincum Met are the top homeopathic medicines for treating cervical dystonia.
1. Lachnanthes – For Cervical Dystonia with Stiff Neck and Head Drawn to the Right Side
Lachnanthes is a natural medicine for cervical dystonia indicated when the neck muscles are contracted with the head drawn to the right side. There is pain in the neck. The pain and stiffness extends from the neck to the head. Pain in neck worsens from neck movement or bending the head backward.
When to use Lachnanthes?
Lachnanthes is an ideal medicine to treat cases of cervical dystonia with tilting of the head to the right side with marked neck pain and stiffness that may extend to the head.
How to use Lachnanthes?
It is advised to take this medicine once a day in 30C power.
2. Lycopodium – For Cervical Dystonia with Neck Stiffness Causing Drawing of Head to Left Side
Homeopathic medicine Lycopodium is well-indicated for cases of cervical dystonia causing drawing of the head to the left side. The neck is very stiff and tilted towards the left side. There is darting pain in the neck. The pain and stiffness of neck radiate to the shoulders too.
When to use Lycopodium?
This medicine is highly suitable to manage cervical dystonia when the head is tilted to the left side with pain and stiffness of the neck extending to shoulders.
How to use Lycopodium?
This medicine is available in both low to high potencies, however in the beginning of the treatment ,30C potency is usually prescribed that can be taken once a day.
3. Rhus Tox – For Stiff Neck Better from Warmth and Massage
Rhus Tox is a highly effective medicine for cervical dystonia with a markedly stiff neck. The neck muscles are contracted, tense and painful. A person needing Rhus Tox feels relief from heat application as from a heating pad and also from massage 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.
When to use Rhus Tox?
It is a highly beneficial medicine for intense stiffness of neck better from heat application and a massage in cases of cervical dystonia.
How to use Rhus Tox?
Though it can be used in both low and high potency, initially it is advised to take Rhus Tox 30C two to three times a day. When there is some relief, lessen the dose.
4. Causticum – For Stiff Neck and Pain in Back of Head
Causticum is an important 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. This pain may extend up and go till the forehead.
When to use Causticum?
It is an excellent choice of medicine to manage stiffness of neck along with pain in the back of the head (occiput) resulting from cervical dystonia.
How to use Causticum?
One may start this medicine in 30C potency once a day.
5. Cicuta – For Cervical Dystonia with Head Drawn Backwards
Cicuta is indicated for cases of cervical dystonia where there is a tendency to draw the head backward. The neck muscles contract intensely and become hard like wood. The person is unable to move the head due to tensed muscles. There may be a dull pain in the back of the head.
When to use Cicuta?
Cicuta is of great help in cases of cervical dystonia when neck muscles contract, become hard and the head is drawn backwards.
How to use Cicuta?
Cicuta works well in 30C power that can be utilized one to two times a day.
6. 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 chest. 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.
When to use Medorrhinum?
Medorrhinum should be considered for cervical dystonia cases with contracted neck muscles with head drawn forwards.
How to use Medorrhinum?
This medicine is usually given in high potencies like 200C in infrequent doses. To begin with one can use Medorrhinum 200C one dose once in a week or ten days.
7. Zincum Met – For Stiffness and Pain in Neck in Morning
Zincum Met is a helpful homeopathic medicine for cervical dystonia with stiffness and pain in the neck that gets worse in the morning. Pain from the side of the neck may extend to the shoulder. Neck feels as if beaten. A pinching sensation is felt on both sides of the neck.
When to use Zincum Met?
Zincum Met suits well cases of stiff, painful neck in the morning in cases of cervical dystonia.
How to use Zincum Met?
This medicine can be taken once a day in 30C potency.
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 males. Sternocleidomastoid, trapezius and other neck muscles are involved in this condition.
Symptoms of Cervical Dystonia
The main feature of cervical dystonia is tilting of the head and neck to either side of the body. In some cases pulling of the head and neck forward (anterocollis) or backward (retrocollis) may also be present. The intensity of muscle contraction varies from mild to severe. 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.