18/07/2022
TORTICOLLIS
What is TORTICOLLIS:
Torticollis also known as twisted neck or Wryneck. It is a problem involving the muscles of the neck. It results from unilateral shortening and increased tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and presents as lateral flexion of the head to the ipsilateral side with rotation to the contralateral side.
WHAT CAUSES TORTICOLLIS
The exact cause of torticolis is unknown.
CONGENITAL MUSCULAR TORTICOLLIS
The cause is likely due to the position of the fetus in the uterus resulting in the injury to the neck muscles.
SYMPTOMS OF TORTICOLLIS
▫️Neck muscle pain or pain down the spine.
▫️Inability to turn the head.
▫️Usually holding it twisted to one side
▫️Spasm of the neck muscles.
CAUSES OF ACQUIRED TORTICOLLIS
▫️Sleeping in an awkward position.
▫️Neck muscle injury at birth.
▫️Burn injury
▫️Any injury that causes heavy scaring and skin or muscle shrinkage
▫️Neck muscle spasm
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT OF TORTICOLLIS
Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for Torticollis.
The sooner it starts, the faster the normal the cervical biomechanics become established, as well as achieving better .
The primary techniques used in physical therapy include exercises (stretching, mobility, strengthening), positioning and incorporation of new lifestyle habits such as supervised periods during which the baby is laid on his belly.