Torticollis
Torticollis presents itself in different forms based on the age of the patient and causation. Congenital torticollis, seen in infants, presents as a fixed asymmetry of the head. This presentation is typically noticed within a few hours to weeks after delivery and is usually related to birth trauma, most often breech delivery. In the adult, torticollis will present with painful muscle spasms of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, inducing rotation and flexion of the head. The last presentation, Pseudotorticollis, is where a patient will present with the inability to move the head without pain in any direction. This patient usually wakes with this and there is no trauma or obvious cause involved.
Causable factors of adult torticollis can be due to CNS infection, psychiatric disease, tumor, basal ganglion disease, improper sleeping positions, dietary habits, and possibly poor mattress and pillow support. Management of Torticollis typically includes soft tissue and stretching techniques to lengthen the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the affected side of the neck. This can be performed and is often recommended to be performed both in the Chiropractic office and at home once demonstrated and taught to the patient.
Once the muscle has calmed down, Chiropractic adjusting can then be incorporated to bring the cervical spine back into alignment. It is important to note that Pseudotorticollis could be mistaken for a more serious issue and is important to follow up with your Chiropractor or primary care physician.
Questions?..Let the Eugene Chiropractic team at SpringWell Health Center help!
Causable factors of adult torticollis can be due to CNS infection, psychiatric disease, tumor, basal ganglion disease, improper sleeping positions, dietary habits, and possibly poor mattress and pillow support. Management of Torticollis typically includes soft tissue and stretching techniques to lengthen the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the affected side of the neck. This can be performed and is often recommended to be performed both in the Chiropractic office and at home once demonstrated and taught to the patient.
Once the muscle has calmed down, Chiropractic adjusting can then be incorporated to bring the cervical spine back into alignment. It is important to note that Pseudotorticollis could be mistaken for a more serious issue and is important to follow up with your Chiropractor or primary care physician.
Questions?..Let the Eugene Chiropractic team at SpringWell Health Center help!