Cervical dystonia is an involuntary contraction of certain muscles of the neck that causes an awkward posturing of the head and neck. Cervical dystonia was first described in 1911 by a German neurologist, Hermann Oppenheim. The sustained involuntary contractions and awkward positions can be painful. While the exact causes are unknown, effective treatments focus on controlling the abnormal tone in the muscles with the contraction. Treatments include therapies, medications or Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to help the affected muscles relax.