Neck pain in a teenager: acute torticollis

Dear Ask The Doctor: Im a 14 year old girl and this morning i woke up and was on my way to school as i looked out he window the right lower side of my neck popped shooting unbearible pain all through my neck as of now I cant move my neck in any direction with out this sharp pain i do have a high tolerence for pain and this is awful its been hurting like this ever since7:15 please help i cant handle this much longer

Dear Merritt: Bending or twisting your neck too far can lead to acute torticollis. This condition appears with few symptoms, although often you will appear uncomfortable and will hold your head straight or rotated to one side. It will hurt to move your head to the opposite side. Your neck muscles on the side that hurts often are tender to the touch. In general, acute torticollis is not life threatening. If symptoms are limited to muscle stiffness and pain, see your doctor in at least a day. Treatment for torticollis is aimed  to relax the contracted neck muscles involved. You may use ice alternating with moist warm compresses applied on the neck, and take anti-inflammatory medication for the pain (Motrin, Aleve). In most people, torticollis resolves in several days to a few weeks. A few people will develop continuing neck problems for months to years. Persistent neck muscle spasms may require referral to a specialist (neurologist).