15 Causes of Cervical Dystonia You Need to Know About

5. Certain Medications

Certain medications have been known to cause cervical dystonia and other types of dystonia as a side effect. This is most commonly reported with medications that block the brain's release of dopamine, which is required for the smooth and controlled movement of muscles. If individuals don't have enough dopamine, their muscles may spasm or become tense and rigid. When this is the case, they might develop cervical dystonia alongside other muscle problems. Many antipsychotics block dopamine in the brain, since psychotic symptoms have been linked to increased dopamine levels. Some medications that block dopamine and may cause dystonia include clozapine, quetiapine, risperidone, paliperidone, promethazine, metoclopramide, and chlorpromazine. If individuals are experiencing painful muscle symptoms as a side effect of their medication, they should talk to their doctor about lowering their dose or switching to a different type of medication. Sometimes changing medications or adjusting the dosage will be enough to stop the symptoms from continuing.

6. Chronic Stress and Emotional Trauma

While cervical dystonia is primarily neurological, the role of chronic emotional stress shouldn’t be underestimated. Prolonged psychological strain can manifest physically, especially in individuals already predisposed to movement disorders. Stress-induced muscle tension often starts subtly, but over time, it can retrain the nervous system into dysfunctional motor patterns. Trauma—especially from emotionally intense events—has also been linked to dystonic symptoms in some cases. The brain’s motor pathways and emotional centers are more connected than we realize. For some, addressing unresolved trauma may not reverse dystonia, but it could reduce flare-ups or severity. Mental health support isn’t just complementary—it can be foundational.