An acute spasm of the muscles of the cervical spine, resulting in a painful neck locked in classic position of rotation with lateral flexion. Generally affects levels C2 to C7 and most commonly C2 to C3.

  1. Myofacial Stripping techniques.
  2. Do not use traction.
  3. Ultrasound (pulsed) at .5 to 1.0 w/cm over cervical para spinal muscles followed by moist heat and ROM exercises. Breaks up fibrotic adhesions, reduces muscle spasms, and increases range of motion.
  4. Trigger Point Therapy: Apply moderate pressure over the painful nodule within the muscle belly for 5 to 7 seconds. This pressure induces ischemia and forces muscle relaxation. Repeat 3 times.
  5. Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Select setting that will induce muscle contraction to the point of fatigue.
  6. Transverse friction massage: A deep tissue massage at the site of involvement, stroking perpendicular to the fiber alignment to increase fiber mobility without longitudinal stress.

Adjust all subluxations, especially CO, C1, and C1, C2.