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.
What are the causes?
- Congenital:
- Babys head is in a bad position as it grows before birth
- Damage to the muscles or blood supply in the neck
- Genetic problem
- Acquired:
- Pulled muscle
- Infection
- Neck injury
- Brain or nerve injury
- Tumor
- Certain drugs
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have this problem if you are a female between newborn and age 10 or between age 40 and 70. Having a family member with torticollis increases your chances. Children who are born with torticollis are often the first born child and the condition is most often on the right side. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Head tilts to one side while the chin is turned to the other side
- Neck pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Trouble moving the neck or muscle spasms
- Headache
- Neck tremor or shaking
- One shoulder is higher than the other
- For long-standing torticollis:
- Numbness or tingling in the hand
- Enlarged neck muscles
- For congenital torticollis:
- Soft lump in the muscle that most often goes away in 4 to 6 months
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will feel around your neck. The doctor will have you try to move your neck and check your motion and strength. Your doctor may also check your motion, strength, reflexes, and sensation in your arm. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray to check for problems with the spine
- Electromyelogram (EMG) is sometimes done to see what muscles are the most involved
- CT or MRI scan to rule out tumor
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Congenital:
- Stretching and positioning works best if started before 3 months of age
- Surgery is most often done in preschool years if other treatments dont work. Only 10% of children will need surgery.
- Acquired:
- Find and treat what is causing the problem
- Stretching
- Heat
- Traction or neck brace
- Massage
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Surgery is rarely needed
Are there other health problems to treat?
If an infection or illness is causing the problem, this will need to be treated. Children with congenital torticollis may also have a hip problem called hip dysplasia. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax muscle spasms
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing you can do to prevent this problem. ‚
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 their 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.
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. ‚