Torticollis, sometimes called bent neck, literally means “twisted neck” in Latin. Torticollis in newborns can occur due to the baby’s position in the womb or after a difficult birth. There are two types of torticollis; true torticollis and acquired torticollis. Torticollis treatment is the same for both types and includes stretching exercises.

A true torticollis is the result of a small fiber irregularity in the sternocleido mastoid muscle (SCM), one of the lateral neck muscles. This muscle knot has the frightening name of an SCM tumor, known in Latin as “lump.” But don’t let the name scare you, because it is not a cancer condition.

An acquired torticollis develops after birth, either due to a slight shortening of the baby’s lying position or due to bruising during birth.

Some babies with torticollis also have developmental hip dysplasia, which means their hip joints may not develop properly.

Torticollis Treatment

So,  what should you do if your baby has torticollis  ? Simple stretching exercises help relax short and sometimes cramped muscles. It can be distressing for parents to see their baby with a bowed head or difficulty turning their head, but most babies do not feel pain due to their torticollis. However, it is important to treat it early to resolve it as quickly as possible.

If you are concerned about your baby’s ability to turn his or her head fully in either direction, it would be appropriate to see a pediatric Physical Therapist.

 To learn more about torticollis and find the right treatment, please read our informative article.

For any questions you may have, you should contact the relevant helmet treatment doctors and cranial helmet treatment centers.