Medications that may be recommended by a doctor to treat torticollis are naproxen, diclofenac diethylammonium or cyclobenzaprine, which can be taken in tablets or applied directly to the site of pain using ointments, creams, gels or plasters.
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, which results in pain on the side of the neck and difficulty moving the head. Know how to recognize the symptoms of torticollis.
If the pain is very intense or there are other symptoms that make daily activities difficult, it is recommended to consult an orthopedist so that an evaluation can be carried out and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.
11 remedies for stiff neck
The most commonly used remedies to treat torticollis, which should only be used if recommended by a doctor, are:
1. Naproxen
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in tablet form that is indicated for the treatment of torticollis, as it helps to reduce inflammation in the muscle, relieving pain.
This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in its generic form, as “naproxen sodium”, or under the names Flanax, Naxotec, Naprox or Nexflen, for example. Find out how to take naproxen.
Naproxen should not be used for more than 10 days in a row, and is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or people who have bleeding, ulcers or perforations in the intestines or stomach.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that can be indicated for torticollis, as it works by reducing the production of inflammatory substances in the body, relieving the pain of torticollis.
This medicine can be found in the form of tablets, oral suspension or drops and must be used under medical advice. See how to take ibuprofen correctly.
Make an appointment with an orthopedist in the nearest region:
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3. Paracetamol
Paracetamol is an analgesic that helps relieve the pain and discomfort caused by torticollis.
This remedy must be used under medical advice, and can be found in the form of tablets, drops or oral suspension. Find out how to take paracetamol.
Another analgesic with a similar action to paracetamol is dipyrone.
4. Diclofenac diethylammonium
Diclofenac diethylammonium (Cataflan emulgel or Biofenac) is an ointment that has local anti-inflammatory action, relieving stiff neck pain. This remedy can also be found in spray form.
Torticollis ointments should be applied directly to the area to be treated, applying small pressure to the area and making circular movements.
Other ointments for torticollis that may be recommended by your doctor are Calminex H or Gelol, which contain a combination of substances such as methyl salicylate, camphor or levomenthol, which help relieve the pain caused by torticollis.
5. Methyl salicylate
Methyl salicylate associated with camphor and levomenthol (Salonpas) is a patch that can be placed on the site of the torticollis, as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, releasing the active substances directly into the muscle throughout the day.
There are also plasters that release constant and prolonged heat, which help relax muscles and relieve pain, which are available from the brands BodiHeat or Dorflex, for example.
6. Flurbiprofen
Flurbiprofen is another type of patch that can be used on the muscle affected by torticollis.
This remedy has a local anti-inflammatory action, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of torticollis, such as pain, discomfort or difficulty moving the neck, for example.
7. Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that may be recommended by your doctor for torticollis, as it blocks nerve impulses or pain sensations that are sent to the brain that cause muscle contractions, spasms or pain.
This remedy can be found under the names Miosan, Mitrul, Mirtax or Musculare. Furthermore, cyclobenzaprine can also be found associated with lysine, which has analgesic action, under the name Dolamin Flex.
Cyclobenzaprine should only be used by adults, with medical advice, for a maximum period of 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. See how to take cyclobenzaprine.
8. Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol is another muscle relaxant that can be indicated for torticollis, and is generally found in combination with paracetamol, diclofenac sodium and caffeine, under the trade names Torsilax, Infralax, Tandrilax or Mioflex A.
This remedy must be used under medical advice, and should not be used for more than 10 days of treatment.
9. Thiocolchicosideum
Thiocolchicoside is also a muscle relaxant that can be indicated for torticollis as it helps to reduce muscle spasm or contraction.
This medicine can be found in the form of tablets or injection, called Coltrax, and must be used under medical advice.
10. Betamethasone
Betamethasone dipropionate + betamethasone disodium phosphate (Diprospan) is a corticosteroid that may be recommended by a doctor for the treatment of torticollis, as it has a potent anti-inflammatory action, relieving the symptoms of torticollis.
This medicine is only used as an injection into the gluteal muscle, and is only sold with a prescription.
11. Botulinum toxin A
The use of botulinum toxin type A is the treatment of choice for spasmodic torticollis, in which there are involuntary movements of the head that cause intense pain, disabling the sufferer from carrying out their daily activities.
Botulinum toxin is applied locally by the doctor by injection into the affected muscles in a single dose, with the intention of stopping uncontrolled movements of the neck and relieving the symptoms of torticollis.
Some of the side effects of this treatment include dysphagia and cervical weakness, for example.
Natural remedy options
In addition to medications, there are also natural options to deal with the discomfort caused by torticollis, such as massage, physical therapy or exercises that can be done at home.
Watch the following video and check out some tips that can get rid of a stiff neck in one day:
