Effect of Therapeutic Yoga on Pain and Functional Disability in a Patient with Cervical Dystonia: A Case Report
Author : Dr. Sunitha KM
Abstract :
Cervical dystonia is a focal movement disorder characterized by involuntary contraction of neck muscles, leading to abnormal head posture, pain, and functional limitation. Conventional management primarily includes botulinum toxin injections and pharmacotherapy. Complementary approaches such as yoga may help reduce muscle tension and stress-related exacerbations. This study is to evaluate the effect of a structured therapeutic yoga protocol on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and quality of life in a patient with cervical dystonia. A 52-year-old female diagnosed with cervical dystonia underwent a 12-week structured yoga intervention (45 minutes/session, 5 days/week). Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS), cervical range of motion (ROM), and WHOQOL-BREF. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, VAS reduced from 8/10 to 3/10. TWSTRS score improved by 35%. Cervical ROM improved in all planes. WHOQOL-BREF showed significant improvement in physical and psychological domains. The patient reported reduced muscle tightness, improved sleep, and better emotional control. Therapeutic yoga may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy in managing cervical dystonia by reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life. Larger controlled studies are recommended.
Keywords :
Cervical dystonia, Therapeutic yoga, Quality of life.
