Spastic Torticollis - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

cvella · 05-23-2003, 08:43 PM

Has anyone been diagnosed with spastic torticollis? It is a condition in which the muscles of the neck are in constant spasm and pull the head down and to the side(usually involves the sterno-cleido mastoid, trapezius and levator scapula muscles).

My main problem is that my neck muscles are tugging on my head and TMJ and basically pulling the right side of my facial bones down towards the shoulder. This throws the balance off in all the facial bones, which causes muscle spasms. My head seems to always be on crooked. Anyone else with this problem? I've searched the web after my PT said he thinks I have it. It is usually treated with botox shots to prevent the muscles from pulling on the face and jaw. Any info would be helpful. Thanks, C

GenDen · 05-23-2003, 08:57 PM

The medical specialty that treats this disorder is a Movement Disorder Specialist. They are neurologists who have done an additional residency as a Movement Disorder Specialist. There are not a lot of them, but I know there is at least one in New Mexico.

GenDen · 05-23-2003, 09:14 PM

Dr. Paul Gordon is listed as a Movement Disorder Specialist in Albuquerque.