Torticollis, or wry neck, is a condition in which the head is tilted toward one side, and the chin is elevated and turned toward the opposite side.
Torticollis can be congenital or acquired. The etiology of congenital torticollis is unclear, but it is thought that birth trauma causes damage to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck, which heals at a shorter length and causes the characteristic head position. Sometimes a mass in the affected muscle may be noted, which is usually a contracted region of muscle and may include fibrosis (scar tissue). Such a mass may enlarge during the first month after birth. But with treatment, it is likely to disappear within the first 5 to 8 months of life.
If the condition is detected early in life (before one year of age) it is treated with physical therapy and stretching to correct the tightness. The use of a TOT Collar can also be very effective. This treatment is usually all that is necessary to fix the problem. Particularly difficult cases may require surgical lengthening of the muscle if stretching fails. Also, if the condition does not respond well to stretching, other causes such as tumors, infections, ophthalmologic problems and other abnormalities should be ruled out with further testing. If torticollis is not corrected before one year of age, facial asymmetry can develop and may become impossible to correct.
More on [ Torticollis ]
Dystonia :: Movement Disorders

Acute Torticollis, A New Approach to Treatment - Article written by Shahriar Karimi, DC.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Explains how it develops and provides signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
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BrainChat.org - Neurology chatrooms sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital.
DMRF: Forms of Dystonia: Cervical Dystonia - Includes treatment options and information.
Donders' Law in Torticollis - Abstract of an article that appeared in the Journal of Neurophysiology, Nijmegen Institute for Cognition and Information.
eMedicinehealth - Torticollis - Thorough article.
Meta Description: [ Torticollis is one of a broader category of disorders that exhibit flexion, extension, or twisting of muscles of the neck beyond their normal position. In torticollis your neck tends to ... ]
ibabydoc.com - Lists definition, symptoms, causes, contagion, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, discussion and one doctor's opinion.
Meta Description: [ Torticollis or wryneck is a shortening or contracture of a muscle in the neck called the sternocleidomastoid muscle, causing the head to tilt toward the effected side. ]
Macquarie Chiropractic Clinic - Contains several abstracts of articles written on chiropractic care for torticollis.
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia - Provides illustrations, alternative names, defiinition, causes and risks, prevention, symptoms, signs and tests, treatment, prognosis and complications.
National Infant Torticollis Association - Describes different causes of torticollis in infants. Also provides definitions of medical terms and the personal story of three children.
Meta Description: [ Provides information on infant torticollis causes, diagnosis,
and treatment. Also contains a directory of medical providers and the personal stories of several
children. ]
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum - Medical forum for patients hosted by Med Help International.
Meta Description: [ Interactive medical question and answer format about all neurological diseases and conditions. Patient question is replied to by online doctors from The Cleveland Clinic. Extensive library and archive of articles on neurology, neurosurgery. ]
Orthoseek: Congenital Muscular Torticollis - Details of the condition with pictures of stretches.
Pediatric Oncall - Find detailed information about torticollis, a rotational deformity of the neck, which may be seen at birth or may develop later.
Meta Description: [ TORTICOLLIS PEIATRIC ONCALL ]
Selective Peripheral Denervation - Case study of 133 patients (65 men, 68 women) who were operated on.
Soft Tissue - Congenital Muscular Torticollis - A review of medical literature by Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO.
Spasmodic Torticollis Recovery Clinic, Inc - Teaches symptomatic relief based on exercise, self-massage, and nutrition. Includes overview of the program, testimonials, and fee schedule. Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Meta Description: [ Natural, non-medical, risk free recovery clinic, since 1986. ]
SpasmodicTorticollis.org - Non-profit organization that provides information and support to members.
Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates - Pictures of stretches and definition.
The Family Village - Spasmodic Torticollis - Sections include contact information, message board and web site links.
The Merck Manual, Sec. 5, Ch. 59 - Prevalance and etiology, symptoms, signs, course, diagnosis and prognosis.
The National Spasmodic Torticollis Association - Californian non-profit organization, providing support, referrals and information for patients and family members.
Torticollis - Offers definition, diagnosis, theory and statistics.
Torticollis Caused by Intervertebral Disc Calcification - Clinical case presentation by Tobenna Okezie, MD and S. Jay Kumar, MD.
Torticollis, Keep Hoping - The site describes personal experiences and offers background information.
Meta Description: [ Torticollis has a bad prognosis but I think you can do something about it. Torticollis kent niet zo'n goede prognose maar ik denk dat er iets aan te doen is. ]
UCLA Neurosurgery - Definition, causes and treatments are discussed.
Meta Description: [ UCLA Division of Neurosurgery web site provides information on patient care,
research, and education for neurosurgical diseases: Adult Hydrocephalus;
Brain Injury; Neurocritical Care; Brain Tumors (Benign, Skull Base,
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University of Chicago - Etiology of 10 different causes, evaluating a patient and references.
West Penn Allegheny Health System - Resources for diagnosis and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Resources at West Penn Allegheny Health System for diagnosis and treatment of torticollis and spasmodic torticollis ]