Congenital torticollis
This term refers to a contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in a newborn. The child's head is therefore always tilted to the side of the shortened muscle and/or turned to the opposite side.
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What is congenital torticollis in children?
This term refers to a contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in a newborn. The child's head is therefore always tilted to the side of the shortened muscle and/or turned to the opposite side.
It is important to note that this condition is not painful for the child and is distinct from torticollis in adults.
What are the causes of congenital torticollis?
Congenital torticollis is a common condition affecting nearly 2% of newborns.
The main factors that can influence the occurrence of torticollis are:
- Positional (the majority of cases): associated with a lack of varied positioning of the child while awake. For example, prolonged postures on the back or an environment that favors being awake on one side more than the other (e.g., positioning of the child's room).
- Poor positioning of the fetus in the mother's uterus: Uncommon. Often the asymmetry of the neck is present from birth and may be associated with a deformation of the skull (pressure on the pelvis).
- Difficult delivery (use of vacuum, forceps, etc.): puts stress on the baby and their neck muscles.
- Hypotonia or weakness of the neck muscles (the majority of cases): weaker muscles have more difficulty holding the head in place.
- No known reason: Knowledge of the phenomenon surrounding congenital torticollis is still being developed. It could be related to a minor learning disability, gastric reflux, a coordination disorder, or other factors.
We understand this issue and treat it frequently.
How to recognize congenital torticollis?
By observing your infant, any asymmetrical and frequent posture of the neck is a sign of torticollis. For example:
- always looks to the same side
- often has their head tilted in their car seat
- always has their head tilted
- seems to have a flat spot on the back of their head
- always uses the same hand to reach for toys or their mouth
- doesn’t like being on their stomach
How is congenital torticollis diagnosed?
We make the diagnosis based on the child's birth history, observation of their posture in several planes, and evaluation of their neck movements and strength.
When should you seek physiotherapy for congenital torticollis?
You should consult a physiotherapist AS SOON AS you observe the signs described above. The earlier your child is treated, the faster and more effective the intervention will be.
You do not need a prescription from your doctor or nurse to consult a physiotherapist.
What are the physiotherapy treatments for congenital torticollis?
The physiotherapist will perform an assessment to determine the impacts of torticollis on the child's development. The physiotherapist will gently assess the following:
- Your baby's neck mobility
- Your baby's neck strength
- Their overall motor development
- The state of their neurological system, visual system, and other joints
- The shape of their head to detect the presence of plagiocephaly
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Based on the assessment results, the physiotherapist will:
- We will provide you with specific exercises to strengthen and improve the mobility of your neck.
- Will teach you how to place your baby on their stomach and in other play positions that promote their development.
- Give you advice on positioning, breastfeeding, and other lifestyle habits that promote the disappearance of torticollis.
What to do at home for congenital torticollis?
- Get your child's attention by positioning yourself on their less favored side and placing all sources of stimulation on that side.
- Encourage positions where their head is not resting on a surface (baby carrier, Bumbo seat, tummy time).
- Frequently place them on their stomach, for short periods if needed, for a total of 30-60 minutes per day.
- Frequently vary how you hold or position your child during waking hours.
If you find it difficult to apply these tips, pediatric physiotherapists are there to help. We practice the exercises and positions with you so that you feel confident and comfortable applying them with your child.
Other conditions
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