What is it and how can we treat it?
What is it?
Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is tightness of a muscle in the neck called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). It is usually noticed shortly after birth. It is one of the most common conditions in newborns with approximately 3–20 in every 1000 births.
What causes torticollis?
- The position of the baby in the womb. E.g. if the baby is stuck in one position for too long with their head tilted or if there is not enough space.
- Difficult delivery
- Infection or injury to the blood vessels of the muscle.
How does torticollis present?
- Baby tends to turn their head to only one side and tilts their head to the opposite side
- A firm lump may be present in the SCM
- Limitations in the ability to turn their head or look to one side
- Flattening of the head on one side may be present due to constantly resting their head in the same position. This is known as plagiocephaly.
- If breastfeeding, there may be challenges feeding to one side.
- Rolling to one side only
How do we treat it?
The initial and recommended treatment for bubs with torticollis is physiotherapy! The earlier your treatment starts, the quicker and better the outcome!! So if you notice a tilt of the head, or a preference to look to one side, get in touch with your local paediatric physiotherapist ASAP.
Here are some things you can try at home to help improve your baby’s movement, but also seek advice if you notice these signs, as treatment should be targeted specifically to your baby and their presentation.
- Position your cot so that when putting your baby down to sleep, they will look in the direction of the room. Make this the non-preferred side so that they stretch the tightened muscles e.g. if they always look to the left, lay them so that they have to look towards the RIGHT side when in bed.
- REMEMBER – Always sleep your baby on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS
- When playing on the floor, place all the toys on the side that you want them to look towards.
- Limit the amount of time your baby spends in places where the head is likely to rest in the same spot, like a swing, bouncy seat, or car seat.
- Tummy time! Tummy time will help develop your baby’s neck, core strength and upper body strength.
- Physio will also provide you on how to stretch your babies neck to help improve their range of motion.
