Torticollis, commonly referred to as wry neck, is a condition where the neck remains in a fixed position, limiting movement and causing discomfort.
Causes of Torticollis
- Congenital Causes: This form of torticollis can result from injuries during birth or the presence of a lump on the neck at birth.
- Acquired Causes: Acquired torticollis may be caused by conditions such as cervical vertebrae issues, tonsillitis, adenitis, rheumatism, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, or abscesses in the larynx or pharynx.
Symptoms of Torticollis
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness in the neck and cervical spine
- Restricted neck movement, which may involve tilting to one side, bending forward, or backward
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: For congenital torticollis, an ultrasound and color histogram of the neck are typically done within 1 to 4 weeks of birth.
- Treatment: Conservative approaches like physiotherapy and exercises are recommended for self-limiting cases. For congenital torticollis, surgery is considered after 1 year of age if conservative treatments don’t work