Wry neck (torticollis)

Overview

Babies with torticollis often have flat heads too.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Stiff neck tilted to one side
• Neck pain or stiffness

Less common

• Neck pain

Look up a symptom: Neck pain or stiffness

When to get medical care

Causes

Muscle spasm.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

• Flat head syndrome

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Questions you may be asked

• Injury, fever

The exam

Neck motion check.

Treatment

Ease the spasm.

Self-care

• Heat
• Gentle stretches
• Keep moving

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Babies: stretching and tummy time.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually improves.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Wry neck (torticollis)