Curved neck disease , also known as torticollis, is a condition that develops mostly in infants and causes the head to be tilted to one side. It can be congenital or may occur later due to different reasons. While treatment can usually be provided with exercise methods that can be applied in the home environment, different treatment applications can also be used when deemed necessary.
It is a disease that occurs as a result of a problem in the neck muscles. It can occur either congenitally or later in life. If it occurs and is seen at birth, it is called congenital torticollis. Congenital torticollis is the most common problem. While it usually does not cause pain, it may not be noticed for about a few weeks. It is usually noticed by parents when checking the baby's head.
What are the Symptoms of Curved Neck Disease (Torticollis)?
Being informed about the symptoms of the disease is important in recognizing and diagnosing the problem. Depending on the types and types of the disease, it may also show different symptoms and signs.
While the disease may show different symptoms from person to person, the symptoms of curved neck disease that are mostly experienced are as follows:
- The head is bent and lying on its side facing the shoulder
- Neck movements are restricted and the head may not turn to the right, left, up or down
- One shoulder is higher than the other
- While the muscles in the neck may become stiff, swelling may also be observed.
- In infants, while the head cannot be turned due to limitation of movement, follow-up is done by eye
- During breastfeeding periods, the baby may want one breast more than the other
- Flattening of the face and head may occur when babies can only choose one sleeping position
- A lump may develop in the neck muscles that does not cause any danger
- In congenital diseases, there may be a difference in the face shape of the person, but this situation is very rare.
- Severe neck pain can occur, as well as head tremors and aches
What Causes Neck Disease (Torticollis)?
There are two large muscles called sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles on both sides of the neck. These muscles extend from the back of the head to the sternum and collarbone. Any shortening or spasm in one of these muscles tilts the neck sideways and the disease occurs.
There is no definite explanation or data that the disease is affected by genetic factors. The causes of congenital torticollis can be listed as follows:
- Incorrect positioning of the baby in the uterus
- Congenital hip dislocation can also be seen due to incorrect positioning
- Problems in the development of the neck muscles can cause this condition
- Can be seen in case of blood accumulation in the neck muscles
- It may develop in the event of an abnormal thickening of the baby's muscle tissue
In addition, one of the rare causes is a birth defect that occurs in the case of an abnormal fusion of the vertebrae in the cervical part of the spine.
As the disease can also develop later, this condition is called acquired torticollis. The disease, which can develop due to any cause, can occur in cases such as infections and injuries. The causes of acquired neck disease are as follows:
- It can develop due to muscle injury or inflammation
- Common causes of its occurrence in children as a result of acute infections include
- Gastro esophageal reflux (GERD) problem can also cause torticollis
- Constant bending of the neck as a result of some relative problems
- Muscle contractions as a result of certain medications used can cause this condition to develop
- Cervical spondylosis, a disease of the spine, can also cause this disease
In addition, in some rare cases, neck spasms and gastro esophageal reflux disease, which may occur in some cases, and sandifer syndrome, which is not common, are among the causes of the disease.
What are the Types of Curved Neck Disease (Torticollis)?
The disease, which can develop in infants and children, is divided into two types depending on prenatal or later development. The disease that develops before birth is called congenital torticollis, while the disease that develops and occurs later is called acquired torticollis.
Congenital Torticollis
Known as the most common type, this condition is mostly recognized in the 6th or 8th week of infancy when the baby gains the ability to move the head and neck.
Acquired Torticollis
It is a condition that can develop later and its development can be due to many different causes. Among the causes are injuries and inflammation that can occur in the neck muscles.
How is Crooked Neck Disease (Torticollis) Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of crooked neck disease is made by the specialist doctor as a result of examining the symptoms experienced by the person and using many imaging methods. For the diagnosis of the disease, the doctor first performs a physical examination.
During the examination, the head and neck are checked. The curvature of the neck, stiffness or tension of the muscles are checked and evaluated by the specialist. During the evaluations, the doctor may use some imaging methods if deemed necessary.
The imaging methods used to diagnose the disease are computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis (MRI) and X-ray devices.
Curved Neck Disease (Torticollis) Treatment
After the diagnosis is made by the specialist, treatment methods are determined depending on the type of disease, symptoms and condition. In the treatment, the person is usually shown some exercise movements and instructed by the doctor how to apply them.
In cases where the exercise program that can be done at home and some position changes do not help, physical therapy can be applied. In addition, the specialist doctor may refer the person to different areas such as physical therapy and rehabilitation areas or pediatric neurologists.
When the desired result cannot be achieved despite all the studies and referrals, surgical treatment can be applied. This method is usually applied to lengthen the SCM muscle.
In addition, the methods applied in the treatment of this disease, which may develop later, are studies aimed at the disappearance of the causes and symptoms that cause this condition to occur. The methods applied in this treatment process are as follows:
- Antibiotics for the problem caused by injury and inflammation
- Painkillers and muscle relaxants
- Botox method to improve tense and stiff neck muscles
- Heat and massage applications
- A set of neck straps and lanyards
- Physical therapy applications
In order to prevent the subsequent development of health problems in babies and to treat these problems, babies should be taken to the doctor without wasting time and directed to the treatment applications determined by the doctor. Only medicines prescribed and prescribed by the doctor should be used during the treatment process. Self-treatment and medication are absolutely harmful.