Acute stiff neck and wry neck: causes, course and what you can do

Acute torticollis is a sudden locking of the neck in a tilted position, often with pain in the neck and shoulders. The head is typically tipped to one side and turned towards the other [1][3]. The condition is also called a kink in the neck or wry neck.

It is common and most often affects people between 15 and 30 years of age [1][2]. The page about a kink in the neck gives a more general description.

The typical story is waking up with a stiff and painful neck after sleeping with the head in an awkward position. The symptoms can also follow a strain during physical activity or a neck injury [1][2].

The exact cause is not certainly known. The sources mention that in some cases it may involve a bulging intervertebral disc, and in others that the neck muscles go into spasm and lock [1][2]. The British patient leaflet also mentions that an unusual position without good neck support, long periods in front of a computer screen and heavy or unevenly distributed carrying can trigger minor muscle injuries or strains [3]. The cause is often unknown, and the condition can affect people with no previous neck problems [3].

The pain is in the neck and often also in the shoulders, and it is usually worst when bending or rotating the head [1][2]. Many find a position that eases it without thinking about it [1][2].

Movement is reduced, and some have a headache and tender muscle knots in the neck and shoulder area [1][3]. One shoulder may appear higher than the other [3].

The diagnosis is made from the history and a clinical examination that shows pain and reduced movement in the neck [1][2]. The examination also aims to rule out causes other than muscle problems [2].

X-ray is usually not necessary unless the examination does not give a clear explanation [3]. If you also have pain radiating into the arm, you can read more about a cervical disc herniation.

The sources describe the condition as harmless and say that it resolves on its own [1][2]. Good support and relief for the neck is recommended, for example a pillow that gives extra support. A neck collar can be used for a day or two [1][2].

The British leaflet recommends gentle neck exercises and mentions that a hot water bottle or heat pack often eases the stiffness [3]. Pain relief can be used when needed to make movement easier [1][2][3]. Physiotherapy and an exercise programme may possibly have an effect for both treatment and prevention, but sundhed.dk does not describe this as necessary [2].

The Norwegian Directorate of Health describes that sick leave is usually not necessary if the work can be adapted. With severe pain, short-term absence may be relevant after an individual assessment [4].

The prognosis is described as very good. Most people are better after two to three days, and nearly everyone has recovered after 7 to 10 days [1][2]. Some need a little longer [3].

Contact a doctor if you get difficulty controlling the arms or sensory disturbances in the arms. This may indicate a cervical disc herniation and should be examined [2]. The same applies to numbness or weakness in the hands or feet, severe pain, or pain that radiates down the arm or hand [3].

If the symptoms have not eased after two weeks, assessment by your GP is recommended. This is described as unusual [1][2].

In children, an acute tilted neck can in rare cases have causes other than a muscle lock, for example infection [1].

A chiropractor can examine the neck, assess whether the picture fits an uncomplicated wry neck and give advice on relief and movement. If the symptoms recur, or if you also have a headache, you can read about cervicogenic headache. After an injury to the neck there is a separate page about whiplash.

How long does a locked neck last?

Most people are better after two to three days, and nearly everyone has recovered after 7 to 10 days [1][2]. If you are not better after two weeks, assessment by your GP is recommended [1][2].

Why does the neck lock during sleep?

The most common story is having slept with the head in an awkward position. The exact cause is not certainly known, but a muscle spasm or a bulging intervertebral disc has been suggested as explanations [1][2].

Is a stiff neck dangerous?

Acute torticollis is described as harmless [1][2]. Warning signs are reduced sensation or strength in the arms or hands, severe pain and pain that radiates down the arm. Then you should contact a doctor [2][3].

What can I do if my neck is locked?

The sources mention good support for the neck, for example a supportive pillow, heat and gentle neck exercises. A neck collar can be used for a day or two, and pain relief when needed [1][2][3].

Do I need sick leave for a stiff neck?

The Norwegian Directorate of Health describes that sick leave is usually not necessary if the work can be adapted. With severe pain, short absence may be relevant after an individual assessment [4].

The page about whiplash describes symptoms after an acute neck injury, and the page about cervical disc herniation covers radiating pain and nerve symptoms. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Kink i nakken (akutt torticollis) (Kink in the neck, acute torticollis). NHI.no. Last updated 29 March 2022. Link

2. Kold S, Larsen EP. Hold i nakken (Wry neck). Patienthåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Professionally updated 24 March 2025. Link

3. Acute torticollis (wry neck). Patient information, Emergency Department, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. June 2024. Link

4. Tortikollis (L83 Nakkesyndrom) (Torticollis, L83 neck syndrome). Sick-leave guide, Norwegian Directorate of Health. Last professionally changed 20 April 2016. Link