Congenital Muscular Torticollis

Approximately 3 in 100 babies are born with congenital muscular torticollis (also known as wryneck or twisted neck), most linked to being cramped in mom’s uterus or born breached. This results in muscle tension in the neck, namely the SCM (sternocleidomastoid muscle), causing persistent tilting and rotation to one side (bending ear to same side, rotated nose to opposite side, and flexed down to chest; see picture below).

Diagnosis can often be made early on through visual examination and palpable tenderness or withdraw of the SCM muscle. If left untreated, plagiocephaly (flattened spot the on head) may develop (use of helmet may be needed), gross motor development may be delayed (such as rolling, tolerance to tummy time, and reaching), and the baby will preference one side during breastfeeding. Luckily, physical therapy can help! Physical therapist will guide the infant’s caretaker in appropriate stretches for the SCM muscle (best done during diaper changes), light massage techniques to the muscle, repositioning ideas (especially when being held and during nap time), encouragement of tummy time for midline head control, and working on turning away from the favored side (placement of toys). Treatment may take up to 6 months for full resolution of symptoms. Please contact All In Physical Therapy for any more information or to schedule an appointment for your infant.

-Angeline Petersen, DPT