Acute torticollis

An acute torticollis occurs: At first the neck should be relieved and if necessary fixed by a neck tie. If it is a muscular problem, heat application can alleviate the symptoms. A direct irritation of the structures leads to increased muscle tension and subsequently to a relieving posture.

The acute torticollis is temporary and usually disappears as soon as the basic problem – e.g. the blockage – is solved. Therapeutically, the relief can be supported by applying heat, gentle massages and careful stretching. The blockage can be resolved by manual therapy or osteopathic techniques. Even without therapy, the symptoms of acute torticollis should improve on its own after a few days.

An acute functional disorder of the neck and/or head joints
In case of an acute strain or injury of the corresponding musculature (mostly sternocleidomastoid muscle)
An infection in the ear, nose and throat area with acute hearing loss can also lead to an acute torticollis

Wryneck caused by a tumor

In rare cases, a tumor can cause a torticollis in different regions. In the region of the brain stem there are important switching centers for the organ of equilibrium, and the cerebellum also plays a major role in this process. Tumors that spread in the posterior fossa can disturb corresponding areas and lead to a functional disorder.

This can manifest itself in a torticollis. Tumors of the spinal cord can also be responsible for a torticollis. The irritation of the nerve tissue can lead to a spastic torticollis.

Muscular torticollis

The muscular torticollis is a common form of torticollis and can also occur in newborns. Mostly a structural change of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is the cause.This muscle is located on both sides of the neck and turns the head to the opposite side and tilts it to the same side, the same movement as the head in a wryneck. The muscle may be shortened due to congenital malformation or trauma during birth.

In babies, there may be a temporary slight swelling of the muscle belly. Sometimes the muscle tissue can also be remodeled into connective tissue, which limits the elasticity and mobility of the muscle. The therapy attempts to slowly re-stretch the muscle and correct the head position by appropriate positioning. If the shortening is too severe, surgery may be necessary to lengthen the muscle.