Torticollis is becoming increasingly common among infants. Described as a “twisted neck,” it’s a condition wherein the muscles in the child’s neck become tight, limiting the baby’s neck movements and causing pain. If left untreated, it can lead to more problems, such as delayed motor skills, scoliosis, and even blindness.
It’s easy to spot the early symptoms of Torticollis. If you see that your baby seems to prefer tilting her head to one side all the time, whether during play or sleeping time, it may be time to ask yourself if she has this condition. The baby may develop a flat spot on her head from keeping her head turned to that side always, and there may also be some head tremors present.
Most parents interpret this as normal, attributing it to the weak neck muscles of the baby. However, it’s very important to be vigilant to provide treatment as early as possible to avoid later complications. Here are some of the things you can do when you suspect that your child has Torticollis:
1. Immediately consult the child’s doctor. Ask for tips regarding the baby’s sleeping and playing positions, and follow the recommendations faithfully. If you can’t be with her 24/7, make sure her caregiver also knows what to do.
2. Lay the child on her stomach. When your child is awake, have her lie down on her tummy for at least one hour a day. This helps develop and strengthen her neck and upper back muscles.
3. Change the child’s head position. When your child is sleeping, occasionally change the way her head is turned, and make sure to keep it there by having rolled hand towels on both sides of her head.
4. Have the child look in multiple directions. When you are playing with your child, have her look at one direction and then the other, using colorful toys that are attention-grabbing. You can make it fun and beneficial at the same time.
5. Stretching exercises. Bring your child to a physical therapist as soon as possible so that the Torticollis can be corrected with strengthening and stretching exercises.
6. Visit an experienced chiropractor. Complement the physical therapy sessions with chiropractic care. Some chiropractors are trained to work with babies and young children and the stretching exercises, coupled with the strategies used by the chiropractor, will help hasten your baby’s recovery.
7. Surgery. If all else fails, consider surgery.
Torticollis can be easily treated if it’s caught early. With your loving care, regular stretching and strengthening exercises, physical therapy, and chiropractic care, your baby will not need to grow up with Torticollis and its attendant complications.
