Chavasana/Restoration pose for Spasmodic Torticollis

Question: Dear Yogi Marlon, I was wondering if you could advise me on a particular pose I am using to help with a neurological condition I have had for over 10 years called Spasmodic Torticollis. The pose is the Corpse pose and I use a folded blanket and a bolster to provide me with the relaxation I need in my upper torso, head and upper back. What I need to know is whether I could use this pose as my normal everyday sleeping position when I go to bed? Would many hours in this position cause any damage to me or produce any adverse effects? I hope you can help me and I appreciate greatly any time you take out of your busy schedule to reply to this email.
Many thanks and kindest regards
Robert

Hello Robert,
You have not indicated where or how you are using a blanket or bolster. True chavasana, or corpse pose, does not us props. It seems likely that you have been instructed to do a restoration pose with the bolster under your knees and the blanket rolled up and placed along the spine about the sacrum, so the pelvis is propped into a tilted position. That is a commonly taught yoga pose. If this is indeed correct, you are doing one of the few things that will stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to become active. (Ujjayi pranayama is one other technique to do this.
I was not aware of the condition spasmodic torticollis until I googled it just now, finding this definition:

Cervical Dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a focal dystonia characterized by neck muscles contracting involuntarily, causing abnormal movements and posture of the head and neck.
This term is used generally to describe spasms in any direction: forward (anterocollis), backwards (retrocollis), and sideways (torticollis). The movements may be sustained or jerky. Spasms in the muscles or pinching nerves in the neck can result in considerable pain and discomfort.

I'm sorry to say I do not know enough about the condition to advise you medically. The best I can do is to urge you to find someone who specializes in yoga therapy, so they can advise you. If you want a name and number of one yoga therapist I know, I am happy to recommend him.

All the best to you and many thanks for your inquiry.
Om shanti,
Yogi Marlon