Definition:
Torticollis, or wry neck, is a condition in which the head is tilted toward one side, and the chin is raised and turned toward the opposite side.
Diagnosis:
Referral to a neurologist specializing in movement disorders may hasten diagnosis and treatment of torticollis.
Treatment:
The condition is treated with physical therapy, with stretching to correct the tightness, strengthening exercises to achieve muscular balance, and handling to stimulate symmetry.
Symptoms and Signs:
The patient's head is tilted toward one side, while the chin is elevated and pointed toward the other side. One-fourth of people affected with Torticollis are not aware until they are told about it.
Causes:
Birth trauma or intrauterine malposition is thought to cause damage to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. This leads in a shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, often with limited range of motion in both rotation and lateral bending. The head is then tilted in lateral bending toward the affected muscle and rotated toward the opposite side.
