Crucial things to know about torticollis

Do you have a tilted head? Do you find it difficult to turn your head around? If yes, then these are the songs pointing out that you are suffering from torticollis. Torticollis which is also called the wry neck is the painful twist and tilted neck. It is a discomfort that many people suffer. In this case, the top of the head generally tilts to one side, and the chin portion tilts to the other side. It is essential to learn that the conditions of torticollis can be congenital or acquired. It can also result from damage to the neck muscle or blood vessels supplying the neck region. Most of the time, the wry neck goes away without any specific treatment. But this is not seen in every case. It becomes essential for such patients to access proper treatment as there are chances of relapse as well. 

It can be a chronic disease and when people have a chronic wry neck leading to debilitating pain. With torticollis, it becomes difficult to perform daily tasks. Medication and therapies can also provide relief from the pain and stiffness.

Let's explore more about the term torticollis to know its cause and other information.

What causes torticollis? 

Many of you don't know the fact that torticollis can be inherited. It can also develop in the womb. Mostly it happens in the child, and it can also occur if the baby's head is in the wrong direction or posture during embryonic development. A wry neck or torticollis can occur due to damage to the muscle or blood supply to the neck. However, there is no specific age to get a wry neck. It is important to take every precautionary measure to avoid the risk of torticollis. Mainly people can develop a wry neck after a muscle or nervous system injury. However, it can also occur due to some unknown reasons. An unknown factor can cause idiopathic torticollis. 

There are different types of torticollis, and it is important to know them to get effective treatment for your condition.

• Temporary torticollis

This torticollis lasts temporarily and usually disappears after one or two days without any treatment. It can occur due to swollen lymph nodes or ear infections. 

• Fixed torticollis

It is also called acute torticollis, or we can say permanent torticollis. It is important to seek appropriate medical help to treat permanent torticollis. Fixed torticollis occurs due to the issue found in muscular and bone structure. 

• Muscular torticollis

Muscular torticollis is considered the most common type of fixed torticollis, and it can develop from scarring or tight muscle on one side of the neck. 

• Cervical dystonia

This type of torticollis is a rare disorder, and it can cause your neck muscles to contract in spasms. It can go away without treatment as well. 

Symptoms of torticollis:

Now let's talk about the symptoms of a wry neck. This will help to inspect the real cause of torticollis for better treatment options. Though symptoms of torticollis can begin slowly and they may get worse over time. Some of the most common symptoms of torticollis include the following:

• Inability to move your head 
• Stiffness
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Trouble in moving head portion
• The appearance of one shoulder higher than other
• Swelling of the neck muscle
• Head and chin tilted in opposite directions

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

One of the best treatments for torticollis includes physical therapy. Physical therapy is the most effective and convenient way to deal with torticollis. It doesn't matter what the age of patients is; physical therapy is applied to almost every age of people for all forms of torticollis. Your physical therapist will ensure to offer treatment to address the impairment which is caused by the torticollis. You need to notice the symptoms of torticollis to access early treatment for better results. Early treatment is very important for the best outcomes. It is important to get timely treatment and medical attention, as ignorance can worsen the condition and develop permanent damage.

Your physical therapist will design your specific treatment plan that will help regain the strength of your neck muscle, correct the balance of muscle, and gain a pain-free range of motion. The best part of the physical therapy program is that it helps to improve the postural control and symmetry and enhances the alignment of the body to ease the muscle tension. 

Final Verdict

Most doctors refer surgical procedures to the patient with torticollis as surgery is considered the correct treatment. However, physical therapy treatment is the most successful way to relieve the torticollis, and it needs to be started early. Make sure to rely on the best healthcare sector to find quality medical help and treatment.