Torticollis (Wry Neck) is an abnormal tilt and rotation of the resting head posture.
It may be present soon after birth due to scar tissue and tightness of the muscle, which is painless, on one side of the neck. It may also occur in later childhood. If painful, an infection or rotatory displacement of the joints in the upper neck may be present.
The child will have difficulty in turning the head to the opposite side which may be painful or painless.
For the infant, stretching exercises can be helpful. In more severe cases, a surgical release of the affected neck muscle can be done after 1 year of age.
For rotatory displacement of the joints in the upper neck, a traction device can be used followed by a neck collar for gradual correction.
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