Torticollis
Have you woken up and noticed you can't turn your neck or even your head is tilted down and your chin pointing away from that side?! You have most likely experienced torticollis. This is due to the muscle in your neck, the sternocleidomastoid muscle shortening. Don’t be alarmed, we can help you - book online here if you are needing an assessment and treatment straight away!
There are many types of torticollis and it can occur at any age, from newborn to seniors.
The two main categories of adult torticollis are;
Spasmodic
Acquired
Most commonly I see muscular and/or osseous torticollis, which present in a spasmodic nature. This is most likely due to sleeping on a pillow that is either too soft or too hard. Can also be due to repetitive or sustained head posture, ie looking at a phone or computer screen. Can also be due to irritation or restrictions in the neck joints or muscles. Further to this it can also be from poor neck, shoulder and upper back posture.
Chiropractic care is likely to help with certain types of torticollis. Some treatment options we use here at Form Chiropractic are chiropractic adjustments and mobilisations to get the joints moving, soft tissue therapies to release tension in the surrounding muscles and stretching to get the movement back.
Have a look at our pillows - we recommend a new pillow every 2-5 years so if you are experiencing torticollis and your pillow is old and not supportive, either come into the clinic for a pillow measure up or you can purchase one online here.
Some home care advice:
Gentle stretch the tilted side of your head away from the tilt
Shoulder rolls, back and forwards
Try looking to the opposite/none tilted side.
Chin tucks
You can book in online for an assessment or treatment here or call / text us 0497 358 214 if you have any questions or concerns about torticollis.
