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.

Protocol:

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.