Torticollis Specialist

What is torticollis?

Torticollis is a condition where the neck twists to one side, causing the head to tilt. It is often referred to as wry neck or loxia. This disorder can occur due to a family history when the twist is due to involuntary spasms of the neck muscles. It can also result from bending or twisting your neck too far.In both situations, with proper care and therapy the neck muscles can be rehabilitated to maintain the correct position without causing discomfort to the patient. There are five forms of torticollis including:

• Congenital muscular torticollis which is most often diagnosed in infants and is caused by birth trauma or by sleeping or remaining in the same position for too long.
• Postural torticollis comes and goes in infants and is the result of the infant staying in the same position for prolonged amounts of time.
• Ocular torticollis is caused by a vision problem in one eye causing the patient to tilt his or her head to see better.
• Spasmodic torticollis develops in older children and adults following infection, inflammation, trauma, or as a side effect of medications or recreational drugs.

What are signs of torticollis?

Signs of torticollis in adults and children include tilt or rotation in the head towards one side of the body and pain when the patient attempts to straighten the neck. Torticollis may present tightness in the neck or a noticeable lump in the neck muscle. Some of the additional problems associated with torticollis include:

• A flattened skull in infants
• Strength imbalances due to favored movement
• Developmental hip dysplasia
• Scoliosis
• Limited ability to turn the head to interact with surroundings
• Delayed or lack of body awareness
• Disturbed balance

How is torticollis treated?

Torticollis treatment focuses on relaxing the contracted neck muscles. Some of the specific treatments include manual therapy for the muscles, physical therapy exercises and treatments, physical devices to encourage proper alignment and in some cases medication and surgery. Physical therapy is often the primary treatment for Torticollis. Physical therapy will help to:

• Strengthen neck muscles
• Correct muscle imbalances
• Improve range of motion
• Improve posture
• Improve alignment