Pediatric Torticollis
Congenital Muscular Torticollis is a pediatric condition that is a postural deformity of the neck that we treat here at Crux Sport & Spine in St. George, Utah. Babies with torticollis will find it difficult to turn their heads in a specific direction and avoid this motion.
About Pediatric Torticollis
Congenital muscular torticollis is a pediatric postural condition detected at birth or shortly after, causing rotation of the neck and lateral flexion. Torticollis affects the neck muscles, causing the muscles to become tightened, resulting in a decreased range of motion. Babies with torticollis will find it challenging to rotate their heads in a specific direction and avoid this motion. Restricted head motion can cause feeding difficulties and overall fussiness of the infant.
The cause of torticollis is unknown; however, it may happen from abnormal positioning in utero (crowding) or birth trauma (vacuum, forceps, trauma to the neck muscles). The most common muscle affected is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which attaches to the collar bone and the head. The SCM becomes tightened in this pediatric condition leading to limitation of head range of motion and an imbalance in the neck muscles. If torticollis is left untreated, it can cause flattening of the head, facial asymmetry, and scoliosis.
Sign and Symptoms of Pediatric Torticollis
- Head tilts to one side, and the chin points to the opposite shoulder
- Difficulty nursing due to the inability to rotate head fully to feed
- Head may flatten because the child always has their head in a particular position
- Tight musculature around the front of the neck
- Irritability due to pain and the inability to turn their head
Your Visit With US
At Crux Sport & Spine, your child’s health is our primary goal. We use safe, gentle, and effective techniques. Our Pediatric Specialist, Dr. Kati Smith, will assess your child using low force chiropractic techniques when providing care for your infant. In conjunction with chiropractic care, we offer gentle soft tissue mobilizations and exercises to create movement and mobility, allowing your baby to regain their range of motion. As a parent, you are a big part of your infant’s well-being, and you are a big part of our treatment plans. Our St. George Pediatric Chiropractor will always make sure that you, the parent, have the knowledge to go home and help your child, whether it be with stretches, exercises, or lifestyle modifications.