All you need to know about Infant Torticollis

All you need to know about Infant Torticollis

Have you noticed that your infant holds his or her neck tilted to one side and has difficulty in turning the head to the other side? If yes, then this may be a sign of Congenital Muscular Torticollis, also known as stiff or wry neck. In this condition the muscle that runs on both sides of the neck, from back of the ears to the collarbone (known as Sternocleidomastoid) is tight and shortened, making it difficult for the baby to turn his or her neck.

In newborns torticollis can happen due to baby’s position in the womb or because of a difficult childbirth. The good news is the condition usually gets better with simple position changes and exercises.

Signs & Symptoms of Infant Torticollis

A newborn with torticollis might:

  • Develop flat head on one or both sides from lying in one direction all time.
  • If breastfed, baby has trouble in feeding on one side or in some cases prefers feeding on one breast.
  • Tries hard to turn towards a particular side and gets cranky when unable to turn head completely.
  • Some babies might develop a small lump in neck, which is similar to a knot in a tense muscle.
  • Tilts head only in one direction.

Causes of Torticollis

This condition may happen if a fetus is cramped inside the uterus or in an unusual position. The use of vacuum to deliver a baby also increases the chances of torticollis in a newborn. Some babies with torticollis also have developmental dysplasia of the hip.

How to Treat Torticollis?

If your baby is diagnosed with torticollis, your pediatrician might suggest neck exercises for the baby that can be easily done at home. These exercises are helpful in loosening up the tight muscles and can straighten up your baby’s neck.

Sometimes the pediatrician may suggest pediatric physiotherapy in some cases. The pediatrician will check your baby every two-four weeks to see if the condition is getting better.