Torticollis: What is it? + Prevention Tips
What is torticollis? This is fairly common condition in newborns 0-3 months old. Read this post to learn what it looks like and how to prevent it.
What is torticollis? Basically, if you've ever had a bad night's sleep and woke up with a stiff neck, you've had a taste of what torticollis feels like. This is a fairly common condition in newborns 0-3 months old. It occurs when a very specific muscle in that runs down each side of the neck from the ear to the breastbone (the sternocleidomastoid, or SCM for short) becomes tightened and shortened.
What does torticollis look like?
When an infant develops torticollis, the SCM tightens and shortens on one side causing the head to slightly turn in a particular direction. The infant will likely have difficulty his or her head and may even become fussy when attempting to turn the head in the opposite direction. You may notice that the infant prefers to look over one shoulder rather than the other. Another common indicator of torticollis is uneven head shape due to the infant lying on one side more than the other. Additionally, this condition can be especially concerning for parents if it causes difficulty with breastfeeding because the infant prefers to have the head turned a specific direction for neck comfort.
What causes torticollis?
Doctors aren't completely sure why some babies develop torticollis while others do not, and it is equally likely to occur in both boys and girls. Some potential causes are:
- Cramped space when in utero
- Abnormal positioning in the womb (breech, for example)
- Use of forceps or vacuum during birth
What can I do?
If you suspect your infant has torticollis, first see your pediatrician. They will then assess your child to diagnose if that is the case. If this condition is present, exercises can be completed at home to assist. Even if you haven't noticed torticollis in your infant, these activities can be used as prevention tools. These include:
- Engage your infant with tummy time.
- During feeding time, offer the bottle or breast on the opposite side than the preference.
- During sleep time, place the baby in a crib or bassinet facing the wall, as they prefer to look out of the room. This encourages them to rotate the head during rest to preferred sights.
- During play, use rattles or other toys to encourage rotating the head to follow the sound to the opposite side.
If you struggle with feeding your infant, engaging them with tummy time, or have other concerns, our therapists would be happy to set up an evaluation for your child. Visit our website at www.hoggtherapyassociates.com for more information.
Try these tips to increase movement and prevent torticollis.
More Resources
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=XHWOHNKbqngQ7kNvwHBxO-E&_nc_oc=Ado6shBMUfaBbZ4ewjx0ivsZmxI_fDZ3qAY3DldBqXDoVKuwiNEucbVIUkydJ_cKjYc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=tmMyfCr378Iv_Aft0I3jYg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGDVFuEfoEQVHEgbaA488GpRxUyYqQIz3mP49J3luHFJ4FMgtgD9ThkqrO7X9_C_5QES4483Mcu8g&oh=00_AQA0IGFjWY5AjnjQz_Us-AnR5TEAJE-ZyT4xxDkEHJ0ypQ&oe=6A6EB98A)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=oR7_fz2gWMoQ7kNvwGnz8pQ&_nc_oc=AdqSMqOpbiDNBQw4xWhycD-xWb8DSLuKHZEUuqtSVv1Hc5rG4oCHYfewJ1ud8NCskWA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=tmMyfCr378Iv_Aft0I3jYg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFfV3AddsrTYYTl5xAyDImzDnBtwWOzSOLjTkzgdhMVb3i0ofNEDjHUCwrdBgbhsFgW1cYIcKB4rQ&oh=00_AQDxl6J3tRCCp9l30gDYebPNmyUMsLuqEhcMhmAGBWETQg&oe=6A6ED04E)
