You may have heard of the term “torticollis,” also known as wryneck. Torticollis is the twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an angle. The twisting of the neck occurs when the large muscle running on both sides of the neck, from the back of the ear to the collarbone, is too tight and/or shortened. In newborns, torticollis can happen due to the baby’s position in the womb or from consistent positioning following birth.
The following are the most common symptoms of torticollis; however, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Inability to turn the head (rotation)
- Spasm of the neck muscles
- The top of their head may be tilted to one side and their chin may be tilted to the other side.
- Difficulties visually tracking
- Difficulties holding the head in an upright position
- Preference among breast-fed and bottle-fed babies to eat on one side over the other or problems latching onto the breast or bottle.
Physical therapy helps prevent permanent shortening, head and neck pain, and helps prevent developmental delays that could occur secondarily. Early physical therapy for torticollis is very helpful and effective. The physical therapists’ focus includes passive range of motion, active range of motion, stretching, muscle strengthening, and parent education for positioning, stretching and activities that they can incorporate into their daily lives in order to increase the child’s ability to turn and move their head and continue to make gains towards their developmental milestones.
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to torticollis, please reach out to your doctor or your child’s physical therapist.
