What is Torticollis?

Torticollis, also known as Wry Neck, occurs when a neck muscle is contracted or in spasm, causing the head to turn to one side and the chin to rotate to the opposite side. Torticollis can be congenital (present since birth) or acquired. Torticollis in infants is commonly acquired by positions in the womb, and the birthing process (especially cesarean, vacuum extraction, and forceps deliveries). In some cases, the cause of  torticollis is unknown.

 

What are Common Symptoms of Torticollis in Children?

The most common symptom of torticollis is the rotation of the head to one side, and rotation of the chin to the opposite side. Other symptoms include discomfort and pain, decreased neck range of motion, tight neck muscles, and difficulty breastfeeding on one side. Chronic torticollis in infants can result in the flattening of one side of the head (plagiocephaly) due to consistent sleeping positions when lying on their backs. In serious congenital cases, face asymmetry, hearing difficulty, vision problems, and developmental delays can occur.

 

How can Chiropractic Help Children with Torticollis?

Pediatric chiropractic adjustment is a natural, gentle, safe, and effective method to correcting misalignment in the neck region. Such misalignment can lead to muscle imbalance, causing one side of the neck muscles to become contracted over time and even other developmental issue due to the impact on the nervous system. Call our office at 404-355-5499 for more information on how our pediatric chiropractor can help your child with torticollis.