Torticollis Treatment Provided by a West Valley City, UT Chiropractor

Torticollis can cause the head to tilt or turn to one side and may be accompanied by neck stiffness, muscle tightness, or limited range of motion. It can affect both children and adults, although the causes and appropriate treatment may differ depending on age and individual circumstances. At Back to Balance, serving West Valley City, UT, and the nearby region, we provide chiropractic and supportive care focused on addressing musculoskeletal factors that may contribute to torticollis and restricted neck movement.

About Torticollis

Torticollis, sometimes referred to as wry neck, describes an abnormal position of the head and neck. A person with torticollis may have difficulty turning the head normally or may naturally hold the head tilted toward one shoulder while the chin rotates in the opposite direction.

Symptoms can include neck stiffness, muscle tightness, discomfort, and reduced range of motion. In some cases, one side of the neck may feel noticeably tighter than the other.

Torticollis can be present at birth, develop during infancy, or occur later in life. Because there are different types and causes, an appropriate evaluation is important before determining a treatment plan.

Causes of Torticollis

Congenital muscular torticollis in infants is commonly associated with tightness or shortening of a neck muscle known as the sternocleidomastoid. This can contribute to a preferred head position and difficulty turning the head equally in both directions.

In older children and adults, torticollis may develop because of muscle spasms, injuries, prolonged awkward positioning, or other problems affecting the neck. In some cases, symptoms may appear suddenly.

Not every case of torticollis has a simple musculoskeletal cause. New or severe symptoms, especially when accompanied by fever, significant pain, neurological symptoms, or recent trauma, should receive appropriate medical evaluation.

Chiropractic Care for Torticollis

When you visit Back to Balance for torticollis, we begin by discussing the symptoms, when they started, and any relevant health or injury history. For infants and children, we also discuss the concerns and observations of the parent or caregiver.

When chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment is adapted to the patient’s age and individual needs. Gentle manual techniques may be used to address restricted movement and muscle tension around the neck and surrounding areas.

For infants, care is especially gentle and may be combined with recommendations for positioning and age-appropriate movements that parents can perform at home when appropriate. Older children and adults may also benefit from stretching, mobility exercises, or other techniques intended to improve comfortable neck movement.

Our goal is to identify musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to the abnormal head position and help improve mobility. Chiropractic care does not replace pediatric or medical evaluation when another underlying condition may be responsible for the symptoms.

Schedule an appointment with Back to Balance, serving West Valley City, UT and the general vicinity, by calling us today at (801) 966-5106.

Frequently Asked Questions