Newborn Torticollis
Torticollis in Latin means ‘twisted neck’.
It is common to see this after birth, or it can develop in the first few months of life.
It can be caused by the tightening of the muscle in the neck (sternocleidomastoid). As a result, the baby’s head will tilt to one side and turn to the opposite side. They may have an associated head turning preference and/or plagiocephaly.
Babies presenting with torticollis should be reviewed by a physiotherapist.
What causes torticollis?
The exact cause is not always known. Factors associated with torticollis include:
- Positioning in the womb.
- Breech presentation.
- Assisted or forceps delivery.
- Larger birth weight.
- Repetitive positioning after birth, where babies look more often to one side.
How can I help my baby?
When should I seek advice?
How can I help my baby?
You can start helping your baby by following the advice and exercises on the Head turning preference and/or Plagiocephaly page (link).
At the physiotherapy appointment, you may be given further advice and exercises.
When should I seek advice?
Speak to your Health Visitor or complete a Children and Young Person’s Physiotherapy self-referral form if there are:
- signs of Torticollis – typically head tilted to one side and/or rotated to the opposite when lying on their back which continues despite correcting to midline
- restrictions in turning the head from side to side that hasn’t improved following the advice after 4 weeks.
In Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, babies presenting with torticollis should be referred for a hip ultrasound scan to assess their hip development. Please speak to your Health Visitor to arrange this.
For further advice and guidance call Dolphin Physiotherapy Outpatients on 029 218 47577
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital of Wales
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
