Torticollis is a term used to describe neck tightness. This tightness comes from shortening of the neck “sternocleidomastoid muscles” on one side – a large muscle on the front of the neck which tilts the head to one side and, typically, rotates the head to the opposite direction. There are multiple reasons that torticollis can occur. Most commonly it is caused by: 

• Positioning in utero – whereby your baby may have been nestled in the womb for a period of time 
• Through the process of vaginal delivery – whereby their neck may have been strained during the birthing process 
• Sleeping position – whereby your baby sleeps with their head turned to one side 
• Handling preference – whereby you may prefer to feed or carry your baby in one hand/arm

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis for torticollis can be complicated as it depends on whether it was caused during pregnancy, during the birthing process, or acquired after birth. Some signs and symptoms include:

• Infant mostly looks to one side 
• Infant tilts their head to one side while sitting in a device (e.g. high chair) 
• Infant tends to sleep in the same position 
• Infant has a flat spot on one side of their head 
• Infant has difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding on one side or arm
• Infant prefers to do a certain motor skill only in one direction 
• Infant doesn’t tolerate tummy time