Torticollis

The disorder known as torticollis causes the neck muscles to shorten and contract, which tilts the head to one side. It is common at birth or later in life as a result of an accident or other underlying disorders. Torticollis can cause discomfort, restricted motion, and difficulties doing daily tasks. Orthodox treatments may include drugs or surgery, with varied success and significant complications. In recent years,  alternative therapies including chiropractic, myofascial release, and craniosacral therapy have shown promising outcomes in the treatment of torticollis without the complications of surgery.

​

Many of you are likely familiar with the sensation of having the neck get stuck or "kinked" in a certain position. This is due to slight misalignment of joints in the neck and the muscles may in turn become "hypertonic", or overly tight. To correct alignment and reduce pain, chiropractic therapy involves manipulating the spine and joints. Chiropractic adjustments can assist to rectify neck misalignments in cases of torticollis, easing tension and enhancing range of motion. Chiropractic treatment can also aid in reducing torticollis-related pain and stiffness.

​

The connective tissue that surrounds muscles, called fascia, can become tense and need to be released using a technique called myofascial release. Torticollis can be treated with myofascial release, which helps to relieve the shortened and constricted muscles of the neck. This lessens pain and stiffness while increasing range of motion.

​

Torticollis may benefit from the use of craniosacral therapy (CST), another alternative therapy. CST uses the craniosacral system, which consists of the skull, spine, and sacrum, in a gentle, hands-on manner. As a result of better craniosacral alignment and the release of tension in the neck muscles, the therapy may be able to reduce pain and increase range of motion.

​

Torticollis can be effectively treated when these treatments are combined. While myofascial release can help to relieve the shortened and constricted muscles, chiropractic therapy can aid to improve alignment and lessen neck tension. The discomfort and stiffness related to torticollis can then be diminished with the use of craniosacral therapy by bettering the alignment of the craniosacral system.

​

It is significant to remember that these treatments function best when applied repeatedly over time. Patients can benefit from at-home stretches and exercises in addition to having frequent treatments to help preserve the gains obtained during therapy sessions.

​

​

​

References

1. Cerebral Palsy Guidance. (2019). Torticollis and Cerebral Palsy. Retrieved from https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/torticollis/.

2. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. (2013). The effects of craniosacral therapy on patients with migraine: a pilot study. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.7453/gahmj.2013.1.1.018.

3. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. (2017). Myofascial Release: An Evidence-Based Review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576306/.

4. Rajendran, D., & Bright, J. (2016). Myofascial release therapy on neck pain and disability in patients with cervical spondylosis: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 6(9), 221-230.

5. Saunders, M., & Breen, A. (2010). The effects of chiropractic treatment on individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(5), 364-369. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.04.003

6. Strauss, J. E. (2017). How to Diagnose and Treat Torticollis. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0501/p552.html.