Worried about torticollis

This week I noticed that DS always looks to the right and seems to have a huge preference for that side. Even when he leans towards the left his chin is still facing the right side. His neck muscles seem so stiff. We meet with the pediatrician on Thursday for a well-visit so I want to bring it up - I am thinking torticollis. In the meanwhile I did a search here and saw some interesting things. Right now we have a plan to do the following:

- Have him sleep on the left side (started last night)

- Change the position we feed him and try to entice him to move his neck to the left for the bottle

- Change the position we place him on the changing table

- More tummy time

- Nest his head with receiving blankets in the swing (since he wants to be in there to nap)

His head doesn't appear flat but maybe I am refusing to see it.

Any other advice? DH and I are a bit nervous to try any stretching until we receive proper guidance. I saw a lot of people talk about massage - any pointers or tips on how to do that correctly?

Thanks!

eta: had to change my directions - I get so confused. He favors the right.

Message edited 7/2/2007 9:46:08 AM.

Re: Worried about torticollis

Try not to worry! My DS did the same thing - my ped said it was the way he was positioned in the womb - he favored that side for months, and his head is even flatter on that side.

My doctor just told me to do all those things on your list - it took a few months but eventually when he gets a little bigger and stronger it should improve.

Re: Worried about torticollis

I highly recommend going to Amazon or taking a trip to Barnes & Nobles and geting an infant massage book. They have really great techniques. I have two books, and they are very much alike, so it really doesn't matter which book you get.

Also, when you put him on the floor, place all of his toys on the left. Steven did not have torticollis, but he did prefer his right side and got a flat head because of it. Thankfully, it rounded out but I was running all over LI to doctors and specialists because they couldn't agree on a prognosis. It was ridiculous.

Try not to be too worried. If the doc is concerned, he will send you to a physical therapist. You may not even be able to tell at this point, because I have read in several books that lots of babies show a preference until 3 months of age.

Re: Worried about torticollis

Thank you both! I am going to try really hard to do the things on my list for him. I will also look into the book for massage. Thank you!

Re: Worried about torticollis

First, don't worry so much. My son had it and let me tell you - its NO big deal. He went to physical therapy for about 3 months and it was completely gone. There was no tilt left to his head at all. All of the things you listed are exactly right - that's what you should be doing. As far as massage and doing the exercises with him, I could try and explain it to you but I really think you are better off waiting for the PT visit and having them show you (on DS) exactly what you should be doing. I was nervous too about hurting him but after the PT demonstrated what to do, I felt more comfortable. At the PT visit, they will just stretch his neck and then do some exercises to get him to build up the muscles on the other side of his neck. I started off going 3x a week, then 2 then 1. The visits took less than 1/2 hour.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me. I'm sure everything will be fine. Good luck

Re: Worried about torticollis

Posted by Tracey

Try not to worry! My DS did the same thing - my ped said it was the way he was positioned in the womb - he favored that side for months, and his head is even flatter on that side.

My doctor just told me to do all those things on your list - it took a few months but eventually when he gets a little bigger and stronger it should improve.

Re: Worried about torticollis

While I don't know much about torticollis personally, I do know that my friend's son was fine after having it.

The key was recognizing it early on, which you've done already.

Re: Worried about torticollis

Please dont be worried. Both my children had it and it is easily corrected with physical therapy. THe earlier he can receive therapy if he does have it the better. My son was diagnosed at 5months and he went to therapy for about 5 months but my daughter was 10 months and she needed about 9 months of therapy. Now they are healthy and happy 6 and 9 year olds!! Good luck and if you need a therapist recommendation I used Associated Therapies in Wantagh. Her name is Molly Licari. FM me if you have any questions.