Torticollis in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Torticollis is a condition that causes your child's head to stay turned or tilted in 1 direction. Torticollis may be congenital or acquired. Congenital means your child was born with torticollis or developed it soon after birth. Acquired means torticollis developed later as a sign of an injury or medical condition.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has sudden shortness of breath.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child has swelling in his or her neck area that gets worse or does not go away.
- Your child has trouble moving his or her arms or legs.
- Your child's arms or legs feel numb.
- Your child has increased pain in his or her neck or shoulder.
- Your older child is drooling or having trouble swallowing.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child has a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following, depending on his or her age and the cause of the torticollis:
- Muscle relaxers decrease pain and muscle spasms in older children.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given to older children. Ask your child's provider how to give this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not give your child other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to a healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your child's provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Help your child manage torticollis:
- Have your child rest as needed. Your child may return to daycare, school, or other daily activities as directed.
- Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain. Apply ice on your child's neck for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it. Apply ice for as many days as directed.
- Apply heat to decrease pain and muscle spasms. Apply heat on your child's neck for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours, or as directed. Use a heat pack or a heating pad set on low. Apply heat for as many days as directed.
- Have your older child wear a cervical collar, if directed. A cervical collar helps support your child's neck. Your child's provider will tell you the kind of collar your child needs. Ask how long your child should use the collar each day, and for how many days.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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