Torticollis
Torticollis may also be known as congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), wry neck or sternocleidomastoid tightening/tumour. It can be congenital when a baby is born with it or acquired.
Congenital torticollis may be caused by the baby’s head being stuck in one position in the womb or trauma during birth.
There are other conditions that may result in torticollis but these are rarer. An x ray may be useful to rule out any bony abnormality.
Acquired torticollis may be due to a musculoskeletal cause, infection, trauma, tumours or inflammation and these should be medically assessed.
Torticollis is the term used to describe tightness in the baby or childs neck muscles which cause a twist or tilt to one side whilst being rotated to the other side.
The sternomastoid muscle runs from behind the ear to the collarbone on both sides of the neck and when one of these muscles is shortened or tight it can cause the neck to twist. This means the child will lie or sit with the head tilted to one side and rotated to the other.
Sometimes a small mass can be felt in the middle of the muscle which is called a sternomastoid tumour which is due to swelling or lump.
If the child continually lies on one side due to the tightening then head flattening (plagiocephaly) may develop.
It is important that exercises and positioning are started early on to get the best outcome and the physiotherapist can advise you on handling techniques, positioning, play advice and stretches which will help your child.
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