Cervical dystonia: A challenging neck condition

This movement disorder can make everyday tasks more difficult. But treatments often help.

February 18, 2026

By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Reviewed by Samuel Frank, MD, Contributor

Print This Page

A senior woman with her head tilted to one side holds a hand to the back of her neck, indicating she is in pain.

Judy, a middle-aged school teacher, faces every September with a sense of trepidation — not because she doesn’t enjoy her job, but because she inevitably needs to explain to each new batch of students why her head shakes.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.

Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:

Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
Interactive features like videos and quizzes
Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources

Learn more about the benefits of features of HHO+ »

I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is the executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website. … See Full Bio

View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

Samuel Frank, MD, Contributor

Dr. Samuel Frank is the director of clinical research network development and a movement disorder neurologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School. He completed his fellowship in experimental … See Full Bio

View all posts by Samuel Frank, MD

Print This Page

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.