What is congenital torticollis?

Congenital torticollis (wryneck) happens at or shortly after birth. It means that your baby's head is tilted. The chin points to one shoulder, while the head tilts toward the opposite shoulder. Treatment is needed to make sure your baby's face and skull grow evenly. Treatment also prevents limited motion of the head and neck.

Your baby's head is tilted to one side. The chin points to one shoulder, and the head tilts toward the opposite shoulder. You may notice that your baby cannot move their head as well as other babies. You may also notice a lump in your baby's neck muscle.

The caregiver usually first notices that the infant always holds their head tilted to one side.

Your doctor will examine your baby. You may be asked questions about your baby's birth. An X-ray of the cervical spine may be done to rule out bone problems.

The doctor may also check your baby's hips. Some babies with this condition also have a hip problem called hip dysplasia.

Treatment includes stretching your baby's tight neck muscle. You will do this several times a day. Your doctor or physical therapist will teach you how to safely do the exercises.

If your baby does not improve after a few months of stretching, contact your doctor. There may be another problem. Or surgery may be needed to help stretch or lengthen the neck muscle.

The lump in the muscle often goes away on its own.

• Stretch your baby's tight neck muscle several times a day. Your doctor or a physical therapist will show you how to do this. In general:
  • Put your baby on their back on a changing table or a carpeted floor.
  • If your baby's head is tilted to the right, gently tilt your baby's left ear toward the left shoulder. The chin points toward the right shoulder.
  • If your baby's head is tilted to the left, gently tilt your baby's right ear toward the right shoulder. The chin points toward the left shoulder.
• Do things so that your baby turns their chin toward the correct shoulder.
  • During feeding, hold your baby in a way that makes your baby turn the chin to the correct position.
  • Place your baby in the crib or changing table so that the chin is turned the correct way in order to see the room.
  • Place toys and other objects in such a way that your baby turns their head to see and play with those things.
• Lay your baby on their stomach on a firm surface. This is known as "tummy time." This position helps your baby learn to lift their head. Do this 2 or 3 times a day for a few minutes each time. This strengthens and stretches your baby's neck muscles.
  • Sing songs or place toys in certain places to get your baby to turn their head in the correct position.
  • Make sure you watch your baby during tummy time. Don't leave your baby unattended when in this position.