Torticollis (Wryneck)

What is torticollis?

Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle. 

What causes torticollis?

Torticollis is caused by irritation to cervical nerves, which results in spasm of the neck muscles. In addition to vigorous movement or injury, torticollis may be caused by the following:

• sleeping in an awkward position
• anxiety
• neck muscle injury at birth
• burn injury
• any injury that causes heavy scarring and skin shrinkage
• neck muscle spasm

• slipped facette (two small joints on the side of the spine)
• herniated disc
• viral or bacterial infection

What are the symptoms of torticollis?

The following are the most common symptoms of torticollis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• neck muscle pain or pain down the spine
• inability to turn the head, usually holding it twisted to one side
• spasm of the neck muscles
• awkward position of the chin

The symptoms of torticollis may resemble other conditions and medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. 

How is torticollis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of torticollis usually is confirmed with a medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment for torticollis:

Specific treatment for torticollis will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• cervical collar
• heat therapy
• ultrasound therapy
• physical therapy
• surgery

Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.

Spine and Back Care at Rush

The Spine and Back Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, brings together the expertise of specialists from different disciplines in one location, pinpointing and treating the sources of spine, back and neck pain while offering the latest, most innovative nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

At Rush, highly trained neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons and physiatrists (doctors who specialize in physical rehabilitation), nurses and physical therapists, come together for a team approach to spine, back and neck care.

For more information visit the Spine and Back Center home page.

Looking for More Health Information?

• Visit our Health Information home page.
   
  or
  
  
• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for Information About Other Medical Treatment and Services at Rush?

Visit the Clinical Services home page.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.

Looking for Information About Medical Treatment and Services at Rush?

• Visit the Clinical Services home page.

Looking for Clinical Trials at Rush?

• Visit the Clinical Trials home page.

Clinical Trials

Looking for Information About Clinical Trials at Rush for Spine and Back Conditions?

• Visit the Spine and Back Trials home page.

Looking for Information About Clinical Trials at Rush for Other Orthopedic Conditions?

• Visit the Orthopedic Surgery Trials home page.

Looking for Information About Clinical Trials at Rush for Other Conditions and Disorders?

• Visit the Clinical Trials home page.