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Ency. home > Disease > T > Torticollis

Torticollis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Wry neck; Loxia

Treatment

The treatment aim of congenital torticollis is to stretch the shortened neck muscle. Passive stretching and positioning are treatments used in infants and small children. Surgical sectioning of the neck muscle may be done in the preschool years, if other treatment methods fail.

Acquired torticollis is treated by identifying the underlying cause of the disorder. Application of heat, traction to the cervical spine, and massage may help relieve head and neck pain. Stretching exercises and neck braces may help with muscle spasms.

Drug treatments include anticholinergic drugs (baclofen). Injection of botulinum toxin is very effective to relieve the torticollis temporarily, but repeat injections every three months are usually required. Surgical treatments are rarely used.

Prognosis

The condition may be easier to correct in infants and children. If the condition becomes chronic, numbness and tingling sensations may develop as nerve roots become compressed in the cervical spine. Botulinum toxin injections often provide substantial relief.

Complications

Some complications include neurological symptoms from compressed nerve roots.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Ency. home > Disease > T > Torticollis

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