You call your baby’s name, and he has difficulty turning to face you. Your daughter’s head is always tilted as if she’s saying, “Huh?” Your infant just can’t seem to breastfeed from one side.
If you’re witnessing these symptoms in your child, chances are they have torticollis, or what’s known as wry neck syndrome.
Before you panic, we’d like to point out that it’s not an uncommon condition. Some studies estimate up to one in ten children will develop torticollis. It’s caused by a tightness in the muscles that connect the breastbone to the skull. This can happen due to position in the womb, a reaction to some medications or as a result of a fracture.
Some of the symptoms include:
- A tilting of the head or neck to one side.
- Inability to turn head completely.
- Difficulty breastfeeding from one side.
- A small bump on the back of the neck.
If you see these signs, take your baby to the doctor for a diagnosis. He or she will run a series of tests, which may include X-rays and an ultrasound.
Fortunately, infant torticollis is completely treatable. Here at Horizon Rehab, we have the Spine Health—For Kids program. This program evaluates spine conditions specific to children, and can educate you on the best approach for your little one. We can walk you through a series of exercises that can strengthen your baby’s neck muscles and reverse the effects of torticollis.
Things such as crib positioning and tummy time can also help. Babies naturally like to look out of the room when they’re placed in the crib, so facing them towards the wall forces them to move their neck, thus strengthening their muscles. For tummy time, place your child on their stomach on the floor while they are awake and interact with them.
At Horizon Rehab, we love helping patients both young and old. Contact us today to set up an appointment and start your little ones on the road to good health.