Torticollis, Wryneck

Torticollis (Torticollis, Wryneck) is a tilt of the head to the affected side with its simultaneous rotation in the opposite direction, caused by shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (usually congenital). The cause of torticollis may be a birth injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Conservative treatment (corrective exercises) should begin at 2 weeks of age. Surgical treatment consists of myotomy and plastic lengthening of the muscle. Pain relief can be achieved by cutting the spinal motor nerves innervating the muscle or by injecting botulinum toxin into the affected muscles.

Torticollis, Wryneck: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Torticollis (Torticollis, Wryneck) is a tilt of the head to the affected side with its simultaneous rotation in the opposite direction, caused by shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Most often, torticollis is a congenital disease, but it can also be caused by a birth injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle or a tumor of this muscle.

Symptoms of torticollis may include tilting the head towards the affected side, turning the head in the opposite direction, and discomfort and pain in the occipital region. X-rays of the neck and head, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging may be used to diagnose torticollis.

Conservative treatment of torticollis consists of corrective exercises and can begin at 2 weeks of age. Surgical treatment may include myotomy and plastic lengthening of the muscle. Methods to reduce pain may include cutting the spinal motor nerves supplying the muscle or injecting the affected muscle with botulinum toxin.

In general, the prognosis for patients with torticollis depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with torticollis. If you suspect torticollis, consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Torticollis (Torticollis, Wryneck) is a condition in which the head tilts towards the affected side, while simultaneously turning in the opposite direction. This is due to shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, most often of a congenital nature. However, birth trauma to the sternocleidomastoid muscle can also cause the development of torticollis.

Torticollis can appear in children from birth or develop in the first months of life. Symptoms include tilting the head to one side, turning the face to the opposite side, and sometimes difficulty turning the head in the opposite direction. This condition can be painful and limit head movement.

To diagnose torticollis, it is important to see a doctor, usually a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist. The doctor will conduct an examination and may order additional tests, such as an x-ray of the cervical spine or an ultrasound examination of the neck muscles. This will help determine the cause of torticollis and choose the most appropriate treatment method.

Treatment for torticollis can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Conservative treatment usually begins in early childhood and includes corrective exercises, physical therapy and massage. The goal of this treatment is to stretch the shortened muscles and restore normal head position.

In cases where conservative treatment does not provide sufficient improvement or when torticollis is significant and causes serious problems with neck function, surgery may be required. One of the surgical procedures used to treat torticollis is myotomy and plastic lengthening of the muscle. This allows you to eliminate the shortening of the muscle and restore the normal position of the head.

Other methods may also be used to relieve pain and reduce symptoms of torticollis. Cutting the spinal motor nerves supplying the affected muscle may help reduce pain and improve neck mobility. Another method is to inject botulinum toxin into the affected muscles. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles and helps reduce symptoms.

It is important to note that successful treatment of torticollis depends on early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. By visiting a doctor in a timely manner and regularly following the doctor’s recommendations, a significant improvement in the condition of a patient with torticollis can be achieved.

In conclusion, torticollis (Torticollis, Wryneck) is a tilt of the head to the affected side with a simultaneous rotation in the opposite direction, caused by shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, most often congenital. Birth trauma can also cause torticollis. Treatment may include conservative methods such as corrective exercises, physical therapy and massage, as well as surgical interventions such as myotomy and muscle lengthening. Additional techniques, such as nerve cutting or botulinum toxin injection, may be used to relieve pain and reduce symptoms. It is important to obtain professional medical help to diagnose and treat torticollis in order to achieve the best results and improve the patient's quality of life.