Some common signs of torticollis in babies include:
- Head tilt: The baby’s head may tilt to one side, and they might prefer looking in one direction.
- Limited range of motion in the neck: The baby may have difficulty turning their head fully to one
side. - Asymmetry in the face or skull: If the condition isn’t addressed, it may result in uneven head
shape (plagiocephaly) due to consistent positioning. - Neck muscle lump: Sometimes, a firm lump or tightness may be felt in the muscle on the side
of the neck that’s affected.
Torticollis can occur for a variety of reasons, including muscle tightness, injury during birth, or positioning in the womb. Many of these babies also have oral restrictions known as oral ties to the lip, tongue and buccal that can further complicate the symptoms and feeding difficulties.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment. By having an evaluation by an occupational therapist, individualized treatment can be provided by looking at the child as a whole. Occupational therapy can address not only the muscle tightness, but also the related symptoms of torticollis including visual skills, using their hands to play with toys, milestone development, feeding difficulties and the sensory system (including the startle reflex, sleep issues, and oral motor skills difficulties)
Torticollis is treatable when caught early and can be treated as early as one month of age. Early referrals have the best prognosis for both torticollis and plagiocephaly.
Contact Beacon Pediatric Therapy today to schedule your specialized infant evaluation with Sara Wilbert, Occupational Therapist and practice owner. We work closely with a team of professionals in the community to fully serve your infants needs and will make additional referrals as needed.