Understanding Torticollis
Finding out that your baby has torticollis is scary. It doesn’t help that this diagnosis has such a scary name: torticollis. What is torticollis? How did my baby end up with it? What can I do about it? These are the questions I hope to answer for you today.
Torticollis is the tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) in your baby’s neck. This muscle is responsible for both rotating and side bending your baby’s head. When this muscle is tight, your baby most often has a preference to look in one direction and rests with their head tilted to the other side.
The Latin roots for the word “torticollis” mean twisted (“tort”) and neck (“collis”). Because the SCM attaches behind the ear at your baby’s mastoid process and at their sternum, when this muscle is tight, it pulls your baby’s head into a rotated and side bent position. Most parents notice that their child prefers to look only to one side, or they keep their head tipped to one side, or both.
Other signs/symptoms of torticollis may include:
preference to move one arm more than the other
leaning to one side when on belly or in sitting
decreased tolerance to side lying position
difficulty with tummy time
Almost always, your baby’s torticollis started from their position in the womb. Torticollis is more common in babies of larger size and of multiples where there was likely less space for your baby to stretch out. It is important to understand that your baby’s diagnosis is NOT your fault! Torticollis is very common, but not commonly discussed. You are not alone.
If you are reading this post about torticollis, you are already on your way to helping your child. Understanding the diagnosis of torticollis is one of the most important steps in treatment. When it comes to torticollis, the concept of early intervention, that is, “Earlier action leads to better and faster outcomes,” could not be more true. Studies have shown that starting physical therapy treatment for torticollis prior to 2 months old leads to almost 99% resolution in less than 2 months.
Physical therapy treatment of torticollis includes lots of education, strategic play positions to stretch and strengthen your baby’s muscles, and focus on symmetrical posture and movement. I have helped numerous babies work through their torticollis and successfully meet their milestones.
I would love to help your baby! I offer convenient in-home physical therapy. Reach out today for a free consultation or schedule an evaluation ASAP.
I look forward to meeting you and your sweet baby.
