Torticollis is a medical condition that causes the head to tilt to one side and the chin to rotate towards the other shoulder. This can cause pain and muscle spasms in the neck. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop later in life.)
The muscles near the neck are involved with this condition, specifically those that turn the head from side to side. These muscles become tight and pull on the base of the skull, causing it to tilt. This can cause pain and muscle spasms in the neck and other parts of the body including headaches.
Causes of torticollis
Congenital torticollis is caused by a problem with the muscles or bones of the neck. It may be due to a birth defect, such as a malformation of the spine. It can also occur when the baby is in the womb if the baby’s position puts pressure on the muscles and nerves of the neck.
Acquired torticollis can be due to a number of factors including:
- Stroke
- Infection
- Trauma
- Tumor
- Muscle spasms
- Spinal cord compression
Treatment of torticollis
There are several ways to treat torticollis, including:
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Medication
- Exercises
- Stretching
- Chiropractic care