Torticollis

Heather developed her plagiocephaly because she was born with Congenital Muscular Torticollis. Our Dr assured us that her neck would get better and put off referring her to Physical Therapy until she was almost 4 months old. By that time, even though we were doing aggressive repositioning, her plagio had become drastically worse.

What is Torticollis?
Torticollis (wry neck) is a symptom that causes a child's chin to be rotated to one side and his head to the other side. Disorders that can cause torticollis include congenital muscular torticollis, acquired torticollis, atlanto-axial rotary subluxation, and spasmus nutans (head tilt, nystagmus and head nodding).

Congenital muscular torticollis occurs when the sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side of your infant's neck is tighter than the other, pulling the head and neck to that side.

If the right sternocleiomastoid muscle is affected, the infant will hold his head with his chin rotated to the left and his head rotated to the right. In addition to the head posture, you may be able to feel a lump in the affected muscle, which is usually most noticable between 2 and 8 weeks of age. Unlike acquired toticollis, congenital muscular torticollis is usually painless.

Congenital muscular torticollis usually improves with range of motion and stretching exercises and massage, but it can lead to positional plagiocephaly and facial asymmetry. If it isn't quickly improving, then your child may need to be evaluated by a physical therapist.

What Should I Do If I believe my child has Torticollis or Plagiocephaly?

First, be sure to get an EARLY diagnosis. Infants diagnosed between 2-8 weeks of age can usually be corrected at home fairly quickly with repositioning techniques. Infants older than 2 months are more likely to require further medical interventions and take longer to correct. If your infant's head seems flat or their neck has a lump in one side or seems twisted/crooked to you, see a neurosurgeon or craniofacial surgeon as soon as possible.

Be assertive! Some pediatricians will tell you that "It'll get better on its own" or that "It will round out over time". Most doctors are not well informed about torticollis and plagiocephaly. Remember, it is your right to get a second opinion from a specialist. You have an obligation to your child to be their voice and help them.

Call your local Early Intervention Office if you think your child might need physical therapy for their torticollis. They will come out to your house, free of charge and evaluate your baby.

Secondly, if your child has been diagnosed with torticollis or plagiocephaly, they *must* wear the helmet as directed, and/or you *must* do the physical therapy exercises and/or repositioning techniques you learn, and you must do them often. I know that it is NOT fun for you or your child, and how sad it is to cause them "pain". But it is necessary.
If torticollis is left untreated, your child will be affected for the rest of their life!


There are some helpful links on the right for torticollis stretches you can do at home.