What is Torticollis? Treatment Options and When You Should Seek Therapy

CME WebsitesChild Development, Resources, Special Needs Diagnoses, Therapy Options

Torticollis is the shortening of a neck muscle called the sternocleidomastoid. The side that is affected causes a child to have their neck tilted to the side of the shorted muscle and their chin rotated to the opposite side. The child has difficulties tilting their head the opposite direction of the tight muscle and turning their head to the involved …

Torticollis and Its Associated Problems

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Torticollis is not simply a diagnosis, but a sign of an underlying disorder. Torticollis means “twisted neck” and describes an abnormal neck posture with persistent rotation of the head to one side and lateral flexion to the opposite side. There are over 80 differential diagnoses which may cause a torticollis posture. The incidence of torticollis has increased dramatically since the …

torticollis and plagiocephaly

Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: Prevention and Getting Help

Tamara GuoChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

What is Torticollis? Torticollis means ‘twisted neck’ and is caused by damage to or a shortening of the Sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle (SCM muscle) in a baby’s neck. Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) can be caused by in-utero positioning, lack of space in the uterus, a traumatic birth, a multiple birth or low amniotic fluid. Some babies have an actual tumor in the …