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Torticollis Treatment

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Take advantage of our exclusive new patient chiropractic special! For just $97 (regularly $285), you’ll receive a thorough consultation, spinal examination, digital x-rays, and a personalized doctor’s report of findings. Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your health at an incredible value. Offer excludes personal injury, worker’s comp, functional medicine, and BrainCore therapy. Use code Balance97 on your intake form to redeem this offer!

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Torticollis Treatment at Balance Atlanta

Torticollis, also known as “wry neck,” is a condition characterized by an abnormal, twisted position of the neck, resulting in the head being tilted to one side. This condition can cause discomfort, restricted movement, and, in some cases, significant pain. At Balance Atlanta, we offer specialized care for individuals with torticollis, employing a combination of chiropractic techniques, functional medicine, and advanced therapies to alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

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Understanding Torticollis

Torticollis can be congenital or acquired and is often classified into several types:

  • Congenital Torticollis: This type is present at birth and is usually caused by muscle tightness or abnormal positioning in the womb. It can be associated with a condition known as congenital muscular torticollis, where the sternocleidomastoid muscle (located in the neck) is shortened or tight.
  • Acquired Torticollis: This type develops later in life and can result from various factors, including muscle spasms, trauma, infections, or certain medications. Common forms include:
  • Acute Torticollis: Often referred to as "stiff neck," it can be caused by sleeping in an awkward position or sudden muscle strain.
  • Cervical Dystonia: A neurological disorder where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, leading to abnormal neck positioning.
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Causes of Torticollis

Muscle Tightness

Tightness or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle or other neck muscles can cause the head to tilt to one side.

In Utero Position

Abnormal fetal presentation, such as breech or face presentation, can place uneven pressure on the baby’s neck in the womb, increasing the risk of developing torticollis.

Infections

Infections such as meningitis or throat infections can cause inflammation and stiffness in the neck muscles.

Neurological Conditions

Conditions such as cervical dystonia or other movement disorders can result in abnormal neck positioning.

Difficult Birth

Trauma from the birth process, including cesarean sections, vacuum extraction, forceps use, or prolonged labor, can strain an infant’s neck muscles and spine, leading to conditions like torticollis.

Medications

Certain medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system, can lead to muscle spasms and torticollis as a side effect.

Statistics on Torticollis

  • Congenital Torticollis affects approximately 1 in 1,000 live births.
  • Acquired Torticollis is less common but can occur in both adults and children due to various factors.
  • Cervical Dystonia affects about 1 in 10,000 people, with a higher prevalence in women and individuals between 30 and 60 years old.
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Why Choose Balance Atlanta for Torticollis Treatment?

At Balance Atlanta, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care for individuals with torticollis. Our experienced team of chiropractors and healthcare professionals uses a holistic approach to manage symptoms and support recovery.

Here’s why Balance Atlanta is the best choice for managing torticollis:

Here’s why Balance Atlanta is the best choice for managing your post-surgical health:

  • Holistic Approach: We combine chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced therapies to offer a well-rounded treatment plan for torticollis.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our treatments to address the underlying causes of your condition and develop a personalized plan to meet your recovery goals.
  • Experienced Professionals: Our team is highly trained in managing torticollis and uses evidence-based techniques to provide effective results.
  • Comprehensive Support: From pain management to rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments, we offer comprehensive support to enhance your overall well-being.

If you’re seeking effective relief from torticollis, contact Balance Atlanta today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find lasting relief and improve your quality of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is torticollis?

Torticollis, sometimes called “wry neck,” is a condition where the head tilts to one side and may rotate to the opposite side. It happens when the neck muscles tighten or spasm, pulling the head out of alignment. Torticollis can appear suddenly in adults, often from sleeping awkwardly or muscle strain, or be present in infants as congenital torticollis. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, and limited movement. Chiropractors evaluate spinal alignment, posture, and muscle balance to relieve strain and restore mobility, helping the neck move more comfortably.

Causes vary. In adults, torticollis may result from poor posture, muscle injury, stress, or even irritation of spinal nerves. Infants may develop congenital torticollis due to tight muscles or positioning in the womb. Some cases develop gradually, while others appear suddenly after sleep or activity. Chiropractors assess whether the problem comes from muscular imbalance, joint misalignment, or nerve irritation. By addressing these factors through gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms and enhance neck function.

Common symptoms include head tilt, restricted range of motion, neck pain, and muscle tightness on one side of the neck. Some people experience headaches, shoulder discomfort, or tenderness in the neck muscles. In infants, parents may notice their baby favoring one side, developing a flat spot on the skull, or having difficulty breastfeeding evenly. Chiropractors examine posture, spinal alignment, and muscle tension to identify contributing factors. Care focuses on reducing stiffness, improving balance, and restoring more natural neck movement.

Stress often creates muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which can trigger spasms and lead to torticollis. Clenching the jaw or sitting in strained postures exacerbates the problem under stress. Chiropractors address these issues by relieving tension through adjustments, muscle release, and posture correction. They may also suggest stretches, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes to reduce overall stress. Managing both the physical and emotional components can often help prevent torticollis from recurring and promote greater comfort in daily life.

Chiropractic care helps by addressing the spinal misalignments, muscle tension, and nerve irritation that contribute to torticollis. Gentle cervical adjustments restore proper alignment, while soft tissue techniques relax overworked muscles. Chiropractors may also recommend stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and posture. Care is always adapted to age and severity—for example, infants receive very gentle techniques. By improving balance in the neck and spine, chiropractic care helps relieve pain, restore mobility, and reduce the likelihood of torticollis recurring.

Congenital torticollis is relatively common in newborns and may result from tight neck muscles due to positioning in the womb or during birth. Parents may notice their baby’s head tilted consistently to one side. Early detection is essential, as untreated torticollis can affect head shape and development. Chiropractors trained in pediatric care employ gentle, age-appropriate techniques to restore balance and promote optimal movement and function. With early intervention, most infants respond well, improving both neck mobility and overall comfort.

Sleeping in an awkward position or on unsupportive pillows can strain neck muscles, sometimes leading to acute torticollis upon waking. This is often painful and limits motion, though it usually improves with conservative care. Chiropractors evaluate spinal alignment, posture, and muscle tightness to relieve the strain. They may recommend ergonomic pillows, stretches, or adjustments to your sleep routine to prevent recurrence. By restoring spinal balance and reducing tension, chiropractic care can help both resolve acute torticollis and lower the risk of waking with it again.

The duration varies. Acute torticollis from muscle strain may improve within a few days to weeks, especially with care. Congenital or chronic cases may require longer treatment and consistent follow-up. Chiropractors focus on restoring alignment and mobility to facilitate a faster recovery. Stretching, posture correction, and lifestyle guidance often help maintain results. While most cases resolve, untreated torticollis may become recurring or lead to compensations in the shoulders and back. Early and consistent care improves outcomes and helps prevent long-term discomfort.

If untreated, torticollis can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, or uneven muscle development. In children, persistent head tilt may affect facial symmetry and posture. Adults may develop shoulder or back strain from compensation. Chiropractors help by restoring balance in the spine and muscles, preventing these secondary issues. Care also focuses on educating patients about posture, stretching, and daily habits that reduce stress on the neck. Managing torticollis early helps avoid complications and supports healthier long-term alignment.

Torticollis should be evaluated if symptoms last longer than a week, worsen, or are accompanied by neurological signs like numbness, weakness, or difficulty swallowing. In infants, early assessment is essential to avoid developmental issues. Chiropractors can determine if the torticollis is mechanical and appropriate for care or if referral is needed for further testing. While many cases are benign, prompt evaluation ensures serious causes are ruled out and safe, effective care can begin to restore comfort and function.