Wryneck in infants | Physiotherapy for a torticollis

Wryneck in infants

Also with babies a torticollis can already occur. It is suspected that the sternocleidomastoid muscle has been injured during birth, which can then be shortened and even become connective tissue (no longer elastic). A central neurological disorder may be possible.

It usually manifests itself directly when looking at the child, but in mild variants it can also be conspicuous by avoiding the child turning its head to the opposite side. An exact diagnosis should be carried out to identify the cause. In any case, treatment should be started early to avoid consequential damage or a manifestation by a permanent muscle contracture or growth disorders of the bony structures.

In addition to intensive pediatric physiotherapy, certain positioning techniques can be useful, in which the child is specifically supported by positioning material to bring the head into the middle position (and to the other side). Parents should have the treatment and positioning techniques demonstrated to them and, after being informed, perform the exercises at home several times a day in order to achieve the best possible results. If necessary, a neck tie can also be used (more likely in older children).You can find comprehensive information on this topic in the article Physiotherapy for a child with a torticollis: Physiotherapy for headaches/migraines of small children

Treatment

In the case of orthopedic causes in adults, mobilizing physiotherapy can also be performed, accompanied by neck cuffs to support posture, massages or application of heat to loosen muscles, or in the case of severe pain, injections of painkillers and muscle relaxants. In the case of neurological causes (torticollis spasticus), tonus-regulating physiotherapy can loosen the muscle tension. Alternatively, Botox injections can paralyze the affected muscles and support an erection of the torticollis.

A torticollis caused by a bacterial infection is treated with appropriate antibiotics. In case of bony or therapy-resistant causes a surgical intervention may be necessary. The prognosis of the treatment depends strongly on the cause of the torticollis.