Torticollis is a condition in which the muscles of the neck tighten (contract) abnormally, causing the neck to twist and the head to move into an unnatural position. Torticollis that develops suddenly is called acute torticollis. People with acute torticollis may have trouble turning their head. The condition can be painful and may range from mild to severe.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • Sleeping in an awkward position. This is common.

  • Extending or twisting the neck muscles beyond their normal position.

  • An injury to the neck muscles.

  • An infection.

  • A tumor.

  • Certain medicines.

  • Long-lasting spasms of the neck muscles.

In some cases, the cause may not be known.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

  • You have a condition associated with loose ligaments, such as Down syndrome.

  • You have a brain condition that affects vision, such as strabismus.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is tilting of the head to one side. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain in the neck.

  • Trouble turning the head from side to side or up and down.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • A physical exam.

  • Your medical history.

  • Imaging tests, such as:

    • An X-ray.

    • An ultrasound.

    • A CT scan.

    • An MRI.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on what is causing the condition. Mild cases may go away without treatment. Treatment for more serious cases may include:

  • Medicines or shots to relax the muscles.

  • Other medicines, such as antibiotics, to treat the underlying cause.

  • Wearing a soft neck collar.

  • Physical therapy and stretching exercises to improve movement and strength in your neck.

  • Neck massage.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair dislocated or broken bones or to treat nerves in the neck.

Follow these instructions at home:

image

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

  • Do stretching exercises and massage your neck as told by your health care provider.

  • If directed, apply heat to the affected area as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.

    • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.

    • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.

    • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You have a greater risk of getting burned.

  • If you wake up with torticollis after sleeping, check your bed or sleeping area. Look for lumpy pillows or unusual objects. Make sure your bed and sleeping area are comfortable.

  • Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.

  • Your symptoms do not improve or they get worse.

Get help right away if:

  • You have trouble breathing.

  • You make loud, high-pitched sounds when you breathe, most often when you breathe in (stridor).

  • You start to drool.

  • You have trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing.

  • You develop numbness or weakness in your hands or feet.

  • You have changes in your speech, understanding, or vision.

  • You are in severe pain.

  • You cannot move your head or neck.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

  • Torticollis is a condition in which the muscles of the neck tighten (contract) abnormally, causing the neck to twist and the head to move into an unnatural position. Torticollis that develops suddenly is called acute torticollis.

  • Treatment for this condition depends on what is causing the condition. Mild cases may go away without treatment.

  • Do stretching exercises and massage your neck as told by your health care provider. You may also be instructed to apply heat to the area.

  • Contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve or they get worse.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.