Torticollis is a visible medical condition. Your child’s head constantly tilts to one side. Torticollis means twisted neck in Latin. The condition is also called wry neck or twisted neck. Torticollis can be congenital or acquired.
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Acquired torticollis usually starts when the child is of 4 to 6 months or older. Symptoms may start suddenly or come gradually. Acquired torticollis is usually not associated with facial asymmetry. It can be the sign of a more serious health problem.
Different types of torticollis are:-
Laterocollosis: head is tipped towards the shoulder
Rotational torticollis: baby’s head rotates along longitudinal axis.
Anterocollis: head and neck bend forward.
Retrocollis: head and neck are bent backward.
The symptoms of torticollis differ depending on its type. Common symptoms are:-
Your baby’s head tilts to one side and chin points in the direction of the opposite shoulder. In 75% cases, the muscles on the right side of the baby’s neck is damaged.
The cause of torticollis defers on the type.
Congenital muscular torticollis is caused when sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) gets shortened or contracted. SCM on either side of the neck controls the movement of your head. Your SCM can contract and cause your child’s head to tilt on one side.
Acquired torticollis can be caused due to mild viral infection, minor trauma to head and neck, gastroesophageal reflux, abnormalities in the cervical spine, vision problems, reaction to medication.
The best pediatricians in Nasik will examine your child. They will ask you questions about their development and growth. They may order imaging tests such as MRI to determine if there are any skeletal abnormalities.
Non-surgical options are exercising the SCM muscles. Your pediatrician may recommend a physiotherapist in Nasik who will teach you the correct exercises. About 10% of torticollis cases are treated surgically usually when your child reaches preschool.