About this topic
Torticollis happens when the neck muscles tighten up or spasm. The neck is twisted so the head is tilted towards one side and the chin is turned to the other side. The muscle tightening may be nonstop or it may come and go. This odd position can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and trouble moving the neck. This problem almost always goes away with rest and treatment. There are two types of torticollis. ‚
- A baby is born with this problem. This is congenital torticollis.
- The problem happens later in life. This is acquired torticollis.
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- For both congenital and acquired torticollis, stretch the neck muscles. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how to help stretch your childs neck muscles. For adults or older children, stretching may be uncomfortable but you should not get sharp pains. If there are any sharp pains, stop right away. When stretching, always hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 3 times. Do a few times a day for best results.
- If your head is tilted to the right and your chin is turned to the left, raise your left arm over your head. Grab your head with your left hand. Gently pull your head to the left while turning the head to the right.
- If your head is tilted to the left and your chin is turned to the right, raise your right arm over your head. Grab your head with your right hand. Gently pull your head to the right while turning the head to the left.
- For congenital torticollis, position toys and talk to your child from the opposite side of the torticollis.
- For acquired torticollis:
- Put a heating pad on your neck area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns. Using heat before stretching is helpful.
- Gently massaging the tight muscle may help to loosen up the muscle.
- Wear a neck brace only if your doctor suggests you to wear one.
- Go to physical therapy visits if your doctor sends you there. You will learn exercises and may get treatments such as ultrasound and traction to help relax the muscles and lessen pain.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. If the problem keeps up, your doctor may send you to a doctor who is a neurologist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax muscle spasms
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle swelling
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing you can do to prevent this problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Not able to move the neck
- Trouble eating or drinking
- Changes to eyesight
- Not acting like normal
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- The sooner you get treated for this problem, the better the result.
- For children with congenital torticollis, position toys and furniture so the child has to look to the opposite side.
- If you often wake up with this problem, try changing the position you sleep in or the type of pillow that you use.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am not able to move my neck or have trouble eating or drinking.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00054 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/torticollis_kids.html# ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/213/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚