What is Dystonia? Dystonia is a movement disorder affecting at least 300,000 people in North America. It is neurological and causes muscles to not relax even when they are not in use.  It can affect any and all voluntary muscles and causes twisted, awkward postures. There are many causes of dystonia and it is also a secodary condition of other diseases. There are 13 forms of dystonia. There is no cure.

 

I have had a form of dystonia since I was 12 years old. I was diagnosed with dystonia in my hand in 2006, and hemidystonia (a generalized form of it affecting only one side of my body) in 2009. Understanding how my body responds to this neurological beast has been a struggle. Somedays I am straight, but many days I am twisted. Almost every day in the last 4 months I have felt pain. I have no idea what the future holds for me but I am hopeful.

 

Below is my photographic essay about what dystonia looks like for me. Please comment using the comment box. 

 

Photographer/Art Director: Cave Canem.
Lighting/Second Photographer: Scott Ralston.
Stylist: Kelsey Troberg.                                                                                Hair: Jessee Skittrall.
Model: Jenn Marie.
Makeup Artist: Sheila Birashk.

Shot at Seattle Photography Associates Studio in Mukilteo Washington 04/13/09, When Paddison Director.