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Torticollis (Wry Neck)

2024/05/31
What is Torticollis (Wry Neck)?

It is an abnormal tilt and rotation of the head at rest.

What causes Torticollis (Wry Neck)?
  • May be congenital due to scar tissue and painless tightness of the muscle on one side of the neck.
  • May also occur later in childhood possibly due to infection or rotatory displacement of the joints in the upper neck.
What are the symptoms?
  • Children may experience pain when struggling to turn their head from one side to the other.
Treatment options
  • For infants, stretching exercises can be helpful. In severe cases, a surgical release of the affected neck muscle can be done after one year old.
  • A traction device can be used for rotatory displacement of the joints in the upper neck, followed by a neck collar for gradual correction.
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