What Is Infant Torticollis?
Infant torticollis, also called congenital muscular torticollis or “wryneck,” is a condition in which a baby’s head tilts to one side while the chin points in the opposite direction. It is commonly caused by tightness in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which runs from behind the ear to the collarbone.
Key Symptoms:
- Head tilted to one side
- Chin rotated to the opposite side
- Stiffness or tight neck muscles
- Difficulty turning the head
- A small lump or swelling in the neck (sternomastoid tumor)
Causes of Infant Torticollis
Infant torticollis can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later.
Common Causes:
- Intrauterine position: The Baby’s head was tilted in the womb
- Birth trauma: Muscle injury during delivery
- Muscle tightness: Shortening of the SCM muscle
- Spinal or neurological conditions
- Inflammation or infection (less common)
Risk Factors:
- First-born babies
- Larger birth weight
- Breech delivery
- Prolonged time in car seats or bouncers
- Male infants
How Is Infant Torticollis Diagnosed?
A pediatrician or specialist will conduct a physical examination and review the baby’s medical history. The evaluation may include:
- Assessing head tilt and neck motion
- Feeling for a lump in the SCM muscle
- Checking muscle strength and symmetry
- Ultrasound or X-ray (if needed to rule out spinal issues)
Treatment Options for Infant Torticollis
1. Physical Therapy (PT)
The most effective treatment is gentle physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles. Therapy may include:
- Passive neck stretches
- Tummy time
- Play-based movement exercises
2. Home Exercises
Parents may be taught simple stretches to perform several times a day. Always consult your physical therapist or pediatrician before trying these.
3. Positioning Techniques
- Alternate your baby’s sleeping direction
- Hold toys on the non-preferred side
- Use tummy time to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles
4. In Severe Cases
- Helmet therapy for head shape correction (plagiocephaly)
- Surgical release of SCM (only in rare, resistant cases)
Overall, early intervention is key when it comes to treating infant torticollis.
Can Torticollis Be Prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, the risk of developing torticollis can be minimized with these preventive tips:
- ✅ Practice supervised tummy time daily
- ✅ Change your baby’s head position during naps
- ✅ Limit time in car seats, bouncers, and swings
- ✅ Alternate feeding sides
- ✅ Encourage visual tracking on both sides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the earliest age torticollis can be diagnosed?
Torticollis can be detected as early as a few weeks after birth during routine pediatric checkups.
Does infant torticollis go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve naturally, but treatment is often needed to prevent complications.
How long does it take to treat torticollis?
With consistent therapy, most infants improve within 3 to 6 months.
Is torticollis painful for the baby?
It usually does not cause pain but can affect comfort and movement.
Can torticollis affect my baby’s development?
If untreated, it may lead to head flattening or developmental delays in motor skills.
