Torticollis

What is Torticollis?

• Torticollis describes an abnormal neck posture which causes tightness on one side of the neck.  It is a condition that can be noted in infancy, which causes a child to consistently tilt and/or rotate the head only to one side.

• The neck tightness can result in one side of the face being pulled, causing the child’s eyes, ears, cheeks and skull to look uneven.  This unevenness can elad to difficulty with eating, vision or acquisition of developmental milestones. 

Possible Causes

• Being crowed in the womb
• A cyst in a neck muscle
• A traumatic birth
• A symptom of a larger problem

Contributing Factors:

• Placing the child consistently on their back in a car seat, infant carrier, swing, and during sleep and play times.

• Limited time on the child’s tummy during waking hours, to strengthen the neck muscles. 

The Cause of Torticollis is unknown,
however it is treatable

• Torticollis will not “spontaneously resolve.” Children with torticollis-will only develop strategies to move with an abnormal posture that can lead to many other difficulties such as postural changes, headaches and pain syndromes. 

• The earlier torticollis is identified and treated, the faster and more significant the results will be.  Waiting to begin treatment will place the child at greater risk for facial and skull deformity, developmental delays and even visual impairments. 

• Treatment frequency and duration will be determined based on the severity of the condition and the child’s age at the time referral. 

Treatment of Torticollis

• Seeing a pediatrician is the first step in the care of torticollis.  The doctor may order an x-ray or ultrasound of the neck, spine and /or hips to rule out any problems with the child’s bones. 

• If a referral is made for therapeutic intervention, a physical therapy visit will be scheduled.  This visit will include an evaluation of neck flexibility, strength, and the child’s progress toward developmental milestones. 

• Following the evaluation, a comprehensive home program demonstrating methods of stretching, handling, positioning, strengthening and play will be explained and demonstrated.  Home carryover is critical but along, not sufficient.  A team approach becomes the fastest way to success. 

Getting Evaluated

Ozaukee therapy services has expert therapists that will tailor an exercise and stretching program that is specific to your child, with the family being the most important consideration in its development.

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