Wry neck, also known as torticollis, is a condition characterized by the twisting or tilting of the head to one side.
This condition can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed later in life). There are several potential causes of wry neck, including muscle spasms, injury, inflammation, or abnormalities in the cervical spine.
The muscles most commonly affected in wry neck are the sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are located on either side of the neck. These muscles play a significant role in head movement and neck rotation. When one sternocleidomastoid muscle contracts or becomes shortened, it causes the head to tilt or rotate in the opposite direction.
The nerves associated with wry neck are primarily the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and the cervical nerves. The spinal accessory nerve controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.