The condition known as torticollis, or wry neck, is caused by tightness in the muscles on one side of the neck. This can lead to a head tilt and a restricted range of motion. While torticollis can occur at any age, it’s most common in infants. If your baby seems to favor one side over the other or seems to be uncomfortable during certain feeding positions, then they may have torticollis. This is when a muscle in their next (the sternocleidomastoid, or SCM) is much more shortened on one side than the other.
What does the Sternocleidomastoid muscle control?
The SCM is the primary muscle that helps turn your head from side to side. It also assists in holding your head upright against gravity. So, when it’s shortened or tight on one side, it can lead to your baby’s head tilt and restricted range of motion.
Torticollis in Infants
What causes torticollis?
There are several possible causes of torticollis, including:
- Positional plagiocephaly. This occurs when an infant spends too much time lying in the same position, resulting in flattening of the back or side of the head. As the head grows, the muscles on that side of the neck can become tight, leading to torticollis.
- Birth trauma. Difficult delivery or use of forceps can damage the nerves or muscles around the neck, resulting in torticollis.
- congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). This is a condition present at birth in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) on one side of the neck is shorter or tighter than the other. This can cause the head to tilt to that side and the chin to turn away from the affected side.
How is torticollis in infants treated?
Most cases of torticollis can be treated with a combination of positioning, stretching, massage, and chiropractic adjustments.
Positioning: One of the simplest and most effective treatments for torticollis is to position your baby to look in the opposite direction of their tilt. This will help stretch out the shortened muscle on the side of their neck. You can also try placing them on their tummy for short periods of time each day. This will help strengthen the muscles on the back of their neck and encourage them to turn their head from side to side.
Stretching: There are several stretches that can be done to help loosen the tight muscle on your baby’s neck. One easy stretch is to hold your baby upright and gently turn its head to the opposite side of the tilt. You can also try gently pushing down on their chin while they’re in a seated position.
Massage: Gently massaging the tight muscle on your baby’s neck can help loosen it and relieve some discomfort. You can also try applying a warm compress to the area for a few minutes each day.
Chiropractic Care: Gentle chiropractic adjustments can also help treat torticollis. Research has shown that chiropractic care effectively reduces muscle tightness and improves range of motion in infants with torticollis.
The adjustments are very gentle and soothing and will help with the tightness in your baby’s neck; it will also help align their spine and improve their overall nervous system function.
We are happy to show you all of the positionings, stretching, and massaging techniques to do at home! This, combined with chiropractic adjustment, should have your baby’s neck feeling better very soon.
If you think your baby may have torticollis, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to help your little one get on the road to recovery! Contact us at 262-796-5108 or here online.
