Have you noticed your baby holds its head in the same position or they seem unable to turn their head a certain direction to look at you? The child may have torticollis. Torticollis is a contracture or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. It will cause the neck to side bend toward the tight muscle while simultaneously turning the head away from that side. When this muscle is tight, it will eliminate the child’s ability to move their head to look at things. Torticollis may occur immediately after birth or appear when the child is 2-4 weeks old. The cause of torticollis is unknown, but seems to be associated with positioning of the head in the womb, especially when breeched, or injured during a difficult birth including cesarean.

Conservative treatment, specifically physical therapy, is the recommended treatment for torticollis. Approximately 70-97% of symptoms resolve with physical therapy. Treatment consists of passive stretching, positioning, and active stimulation. Treatment is necessary to prevent the baby’s face and skull from growing unevenly. It also will prevent limited motion of the head and neck later in life. Physical therapists at OSPTI are able to educate and train the parents in proper positioning and stretching to eliminate this problem.

For further information please contact: Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Inc. at 218-641-7725