adoptspecialneeds.org

FACTS:

• Torticollis is a tightening of the neck muscles on one side.  This causes the head to turn to one side and usually to tilt to one side or the other.
  
• It may be caused by an injury to the neck muscles during birth, position in the uterus during pregnancy or may be caused by the joining together of neck vertebrae.  It can also be caused by lying in one position for long periods of time, causing the muscles to become stiff and tighten.
  
• Without treatment, one side of the head may flatten and cause the face to be asymmetrical.  Without treatment, this can also cause the child to avoid looking to one side and results in them not developing skills in that side of their body (eyes, hands, etc).

TREATMENT:

• Physical therapy is used to gently stretch the neck muscles on the tight side of the neck and strengthen the muscles on the opposite side.
  
• Occupational therapy also is used - placing toys where the infant has to turn his head to see them will gently stretch the muscle.  You can also position the child to encourage him to turn the tight side of the neck.
  
• Do not allow the child to lie in the twisted/tilted position for feeding and do not prop their bottle.  Hold the bottle so the head is looking straight forward.
  
• Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
  
• Early treatment produces excellent results.