Cervical dystonia (CD), also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological disorder in which your neck muscles contract involuntary. These painful contractions cause uncontrollable movements and postures of the head and/or neck. This can look like the head being twisted or turned to one side, tilted forward, or pulled backward.

Symptoms typically begin between ages 30 and 60, although they can start at any age. The exact cause of CD is often unknown. Researchers have found gene mutations associated with CD, and 10-25% of people who have CD have a family history of the disorder. Sometimes, it is associated with head, neck, or shoulder injuries.