top of page

Torticollis

Torticollis also known as wryneck is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles impact their head to tilt towards one side and their chin to point towards the other side. It can either be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in infancy/childhood (acquired). Congenital torticollis is common and often painless, while acquired torticollis may occur suddenly and can indicate other underlying health issues.

Image by Ana Curcan

Symptoms

Small clues, big meaning.

Congenital Torticollis is caused by the shortening of one of the neck muscles called the sternocleidomastoid from factors like positioning in the womb, muscle injury, or abnormal development. Acquired Torticollis can be a result of throat swelling, infections, injuries, reflux (GERD), or other rare conditions like Sandifer or Grisel’s syndrome. Doctors can diagnose Torticollis through physical examinations and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs . Most cases of this condition improve with stretching exercises and repositioning. More severe cases may require physical therapy, medication, or surgery to notice improvement. By providing treatment early on, babies usually recover well without long-term problems. Untreated Torticollis can lead to flat head syndrome or facial asymmetry later on. Early stretching and regular checkups can help prevent complications and redirection to support normal growth.

Torticollis Impact on Body

Torticollis can lead to various musculoskeletal complications throughout the body as well. Since one side of the neck muscles remains tight, infants and children attempt to compensate by developing an asymmetrical posture and worsened movement patterns. This imbalance can cause uneven spine structure and unequal weight distribution through the hips and legs. Over time, this causes muscle tightness that extends down the same side of the body as the neck tilt. This produces challenges in reaching developmental milestones like crawling or walking. Continuous asymmetry can also increase the risk of leg length differences and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Although neurological development remains intact, the body’s physical adaptations to torticollis can create long-term structural and functional problems if early treatment is not provided.

Symptoms

Small clues, big meaning.

Torticollis causes emotional challenges because limited head movement restricts a child's ability to freely see, hear, and interact with their environment. Effects of torticollis on the legs and spine can impact actions like rolling, sitting, and crawling. These developmental delays may cause emotional challenges and impact social skills in the future.

Did You Know?

Torticollis Quick Facts

  • There are fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the US

  • around 90 to 95 percent of the babies who receive treatment early on improve in their first year

  • Infant risk factor for torticollis - Held their head at an awkward position while in utero

  • Children risk factor for torticollis - experienced neck trauma/injury or abnormalities in neck vertebrae

  • Adult risk factor for torticollis - having arthritis and neck injuries restricting movement

  • Congenital muscular torticollis responds well to physical therapy, when started early

© 2025 by MedGuide Jr. All rights reserved.

bottom of page