Torticollis

Alternative names:

loxia; wryneck

Treatment:

The treatment aim of congenital torticollis is to stretch the shortened neck muscle. Passive stretching and positioning are treatments used in infants and small children. Surgical sectioning of the neck muscle may be done in the preschool years, if other treatment methods fail.

Acquired torticollis is treated by identifying the underlying cause of the disorder. Application of heat, traction to the cervical spine, and massage may help relieve head and neck pain. Stretching exercises and neck braces may help with muscle spasms. Drug treatments include anticholinergic drugs, baclofen, and local injection of botulinum toxin. Surgical treatments are sometimes used.

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition may be easier to correct in infants and children. If the condition becomes chronic, numbness and tingling sensations may develop as nerve roots become compressed in the cervical spine.

Complications:

• neurological symptoms from compressed nerve roots

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.