Cervical dystonia is a painful condition in which your neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing your head to twist or turn to one side, or to tilt forward or backward. It is a rare disorder that can occur at any age, though it most often occurs in middle-aged people, and more often in women than men.

Symptoms of cervical dystonia generally begin gradually and then reach a plateau. Many people who have cervical dystonia also experience neck pain that can radiate into the shoulders. The disorder can result in headaches. In some people, the pain from cervical dystonia can be exhausting and disabling.

While there is no cure for the disorder, it can sometimes resolve without treatment. In other cases, Botox can be effective at reducing symptoms.