Some babies are born with their heads tilted to one side. Others may develop this after birth. This is called torticollis. If you think your baby has this, don’t panic. It won’t go away on its own; however, with the right treatment that includes stretches, position changes, and exercises, your baby’s head can return back to a normal position.
Find out more about what torticollis is, how it is diagnosed, its symptoms, and treatment options.
Torticollis (also called wryneck) is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles tighten in a way that causes their heads to twist and rotate to one side. Their head has a limited range of motion. Although most cases are congenital, torticollis can also develop up to three months after birth. It can affect both male and female babies.
In congenital torticollis, the specific neck muscles that tighten are called the sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCMs). These muscles run from the back of the skull to your collarbone. Researchers aren’t sure why congenital torticollis occurs but they think it may happen in the following situations:
In these situations, extra pressure is put on the sternocleidomastoid muscles, making them tighten on one side and causing your baby’s stiff neck.
A baby with torticollis will act and behave like other babies. The only difference is that those with torticollis will have trouble turning their head.
If you suspect your infant may have torticollis, here are some signs and symptoms:
Typically, your baby can be diagnosed with torticollis six to eight weeks after birth. To properly diagnose whether your baby has torticollis, a doctor, pediatrician, or healthcare provider will do a physical exam. They will check whether your baby’s neck muscles are tight or swollen, if there are knots or lumps in the muscles, how far your baby can turn their head, and how severe the head tilt is.
If your baby’s condition is severe, your healthcare provider may order further tests such as a neck X-ray, head and neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and/or a head and neck computed tomography (CT) scan.
Depending on how severe your baby’s condition is, it could take between 6 months to over a year to gain a full range of motion.
Typically, your doctor will provide you with a treatment plan that involves gentle stretching exercises and position changes. The purpose of treatment is to help relax the tight neck muscles and condition the weaker neck muscles on the opposite side. Doing so will help return your baby’s head position to an upright one.
It’s important to begin treatment as soon as your healthcare provider says it is safe to. This is usually between 3 and 6 months old. Early intervention can help prevent your baby’s condition from getting worse, minimize long-term consequences and avoid a potential surgery later.
Be sure to do the exercises regularly and consistently. At first, this could be done several times a day. As your baby gets stronger and the exercises seem easier, gradually increase the frequency and duration.
Your baby’s healthcare provider typically will follow up every 2–4 weeks to see how they’re progressing.
Here are some strengthening and stretching exercises you can do at home to help your baby’s torticollis:
Doing lots of tummy time is crucial for all babies but can be extremely helpful for those with torticollis. Tummy time is done when your baby is awake and with supervision. It involves placing your baby on their belly for a short time to help tone their neck, back, and shoulder muscles.
Sit on their non-preferred side. Encourage your baby to look at you by singing and talking to them. Start with 10–15 minute sessions and slowly increase as your baby becomes stronger.
At first, it can be uncomfortable for your baby as they are still learning to do this; however, with practice, your baby will find it easier as their weaker muscles strengthen and their tight muscles stretch out.
If conventional treatment does not seem effective, your pediatrician may also refer you to a specialist such as an orthopedist, neurologist, or physical therapist.
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