What Can Cause Torticollis?

Torticollis is a specific type of neck pain, referring to a shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the front of your neck. This muscle usually turns your head to the side, but in some cases will refuse to release or lengthen. This results in a semi-permanent state of head tilt.

When this condition occurs in adults, it is often extremely painful. The good news is that it usually resolves within days after chiropractic care begins. If this condition occurs in infants, it is considered painless, but can cause a number of other health issues if it is not addressed. Torticollis can be caused by:

- vertebral misalignment causing nerve dysfunction
- prolonged abnormal posture
- birth injury, inadequate blood flow to a baby in her mother's uterus, abnormal positioning in the uterus (all of these are called congenital torticollis)
- unknown causes (called idiopathic torticollis, the most common form in adults)
- neck sprain
- vigorous neck movements
- certain drugs
- trauma
- bony abnormalities
- infection
- tumor

Always consult with a doctor if you suspect that you or your child has torticollis. Please do not attempt to stretch your own muscles "back into place", as you could easily cause yourself further injury.