Stiff neck: when to see a doctor and your first visit
MedlinePlus describes torticollis as neck muscles pulling the head into a tilted or turned position. I see you at my clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara or at home; message me on WhatsApp or call me.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only · Home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona
Comprehensive Body Assessment €70 at the clinic · €120 at home
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
When to see a doctor or call 112
Call 112 or go to the emergency department (urgencias):
- If torticollis develops after an injury or alongside an illness.
- If you have a fever and headache, and your neck is so stiff that you cannot touch your chin to your chest.
- If you have signs of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting or pain in your arm or jaw.
- If you have neck pain after a fall, blow or injury and cannot move your arm or hand. Have someone else call 112.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you lose control of your bladder or bowels.
Make an appointment with your doctor:
- If the pain or stiffness has not gone after a week of self-care, according to MedlinePlus; the NHS advises seeing a doctor if it persists for a few weeks.
- If your usual over-the-counter painkillers do not relieve the pain.
- If lying down makes the pain worse, if it wakes you during the night or if its severity stops you finding a comfortable position.
- If you notice a neck lump or your glands become swollen.
- If you have numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm or hand.
- If your neck pain started after a fall, blow or injury and you can still move your arm and hand.
- If you have difficulty swallowing or breathing along with neck pain.
- If you have trouble walking or keeping your balance.
- If new symptoms develop or existing symptoms do not improve with the treatment your doctor has prescribed.
- If the pain worries you, or you have pins and needles or a cold feeling in an arm, as the NHS advises.
List based on MedlinePlus, “Torticollis” and “Neck pain”, and the NHS, “Neck pain”, checked on 29 October 2026.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What torticollis means
MedlinePlus describes torticollis, also called wry neck, as a condition where neck muscles pull the head into a tilted or turned position.
It can be linked to problems with the muscles, upper spine or nervous system. Genetic changes can also be involved. Often the cause is unknown. Stiffness and restricted head movement are among its features.
The NHS lists a neck becoming locked in an awkward sleeping position among the causes of neck pain. Your doctor is responsible for the diagnosis.
Torticollis in a baby is a matter for the paediatrician to assess.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, “Torticollis”, reviewed 4 May 2026; consulted on 29 October 2026.
- MedlinePlus, “Neck pain”, reviewed 14 January 2026; consulted on 29 October 2026.
- NHS, “Neck pain”, reviewed 27 April 2023; consulted on 29 October 2026.
There are separate pages about neck pain and muscle knots.
Coming with a stiff neck: your first appointment
A stiff neck is one of the reasons people contact me. I call the first appointment a Comprehensive Body Assessment.
We agree where to meet
Message me on WhatsApp or call me with your town and your choice of clinic or home visit. We agree a day and time.
I listen and look at your case as a whole
I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work. The visit includes a case history (a conversation about your health history), a full check and first contact.
I consider the whole body
There is no single action on that isolated area: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
I refer you to a doctor when needed
Whenever I’m unsure, or unable to work with you, I recommend a visit to your doctor.
Hands-on work and guidance for home
My sessions involve thorough, hands-on work. The posture advice and home exercises I give you are personalised. My osteopathy page explains how I work.
Prices
Locations and visit costs
- Your first clinic appointment costs €70 for a 60-minute Comprehensive Body Assessment. At home, the assessment costs €120.
- An osteopathy session costs €70 per session at the clinic, or from €100 for a home visit. There’s no travel surcharge as far as Estepona. For terms and cancellation, follow the prices link after this list.
- Russian or Ukrainian translator: If you need her, book her with 5 hours’ notice. You pay another €60 per session. For an urgent visit, her attendance depends on her availability.
I accept cash, Bizum and bank transfers. My work is private; I don’t work with insurers. See my full list of prices.
You’ll find me at C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. The San Pedro de Alcántara clinic page has directions. Free parking is available on an unpaved site 50 m away.
I make home visits to houses, hotels and villas. I cover San Pedro, Marbella, including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, and Benahavís. Visits to Estepona need prior notice.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about a stiff neck and arranging a visit
Can I drive if I can barely turn my head?
The NHS advises against activities that could be dangerous when you cannot move your neck, such as driving or cycling.
What if this started after I hurt myself?
MedlinePlus advises getting medical help straight away when it follows an injury. The same applies if it develops alongside an illness.
Should I bring test results I already have?
You can bring reports and test results from your doctor or specialist to the appointment. It’s fine if you don’t have any. Please don’t send them by message.
Do I need medical discharge after surgery?
Yes. After an operation, your doctor has the final say. We start once your doctor has discharged you, following all their instructions and safety requirements.
Who should I ask about the medication I take?
Medication is a matter for your doctor. Ask them about anything you’re unsure of in your prescription.
Tell me what kind of visit you need and where
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
To arrange a visit, tell me your town and whether you prefer the clinic or a home visit. Don’t send diagnoses, reports or medical test results by message.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only; home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona. Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
I do the sessions in Spanish or English.