Torticollis in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.
What is torticollis?
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.
What increases my child's risk for torticollis?
- A neck injury that happens during childbirth
- Being in a cramped position in the uterus during pregnancy
- Fusion of the vertebra at the top of your child's spine with the bottom of his or her skull
- A tumor near your child's spine
- A family history of torticollis
- Fracture or dislocation of bones in your child's upper spine
- A medical condition that affects your child's muscles, bones, nervous system, or eyes, or a rheumatoid condition such as arthritis
- Injury that causes neck and shoulder muscles to contract (shorten and tighten), such as a burn to the skin
What are the signs and symptoms of torticollis?
- Head tilting to 1 side and the chin pointing to the other shoulder
- Trouble moving the head from side to side or up and down
- Pain in the affected muscle
- A soft muscle lump that goes away before 6 months of age
- Vision problems, such as double vision or eyes that are pointed in different directions
- Nausea, vomiting, or a headache
- A flat area on 1 side of the head
- Wanting to breastfeed on only 1 side
- Hip dysplasia
 |
How is torticollis diagnosed?
Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child and ask about his or her symptoms. Tell the provider if your child had any recent illness or injury. Also tell the provider if symptoms happen all the time or come and go. X-ray, CT scan, or MRI pictures may be used to look for problems in your child's bones, muscles, brain, or blood vessels. Your child may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell your child's provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Do not let your child enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has any metal in or on his or her body.
How is torticollis treated?
Torticollis usually goes away on its own, but treatment may be needed if symptoms continue or worsen. Treatment depends on your child's age and the cause of his or her torticollis:
- Physical therapy may be used to teach your child body position changes and head rotation exercises. A therapist will show you how to move your infant or young child to help stretch and loosen the muscles. The therapist will tell you when to do the exercises and how often to do them.
- Medicines may help relieve pain or muscle spasms. Some medicines are only given to children 6 months or older. Your child's provider will tell you if medicine is right for your child. The provider will give you directions for when and how often to give each medicine.
- Surgery may be used to cut the nerves that supply the affected muscles, or to separate the muscles.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How can I help my 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.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has sudden shortness of breath.
When should I seek immediate care?
- 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.
When should I call my child's doctor?
- Your child has a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. 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.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Learn more about Torticollis
Treatment options
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.