How to Treat Muscular Torticollis Naturally

Congenital muscular torticollis is a condition that effects infants. Sometimes called wryneck, the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened, causing the neck to twist. Torticollis can occur during a difficult birth when the neck muscle has been stretched or torn. Scar tissue then causes the muscle to tighten excessively. While any home treatment should be approved by your doctor or naturopath, there are some things you can do to promote healing.

Instructions

1. Speak to a trained physical therapist who can guide you in specific ways to handle your baby. Learn about safe stretches, ways to feed your baby and how to position your baby in a way that promotes posture and symmetry during this important stage of motor development.

2. Help your baby to stretch the affected muscle, after you have been properly trained by a professional physical therapist. This treatment consists of 15 to 20 stretches, 5 or 6 times a day. While the child is lying on his back, the head is tilted away from the affected muscle, and the face is turned in the opposite direction just enough to apply a gentle stretch.

3. Keep your baby active to promote exercise of the neck muscles. When playing, hold toys to the opposite direction of the tilt, bottle feed so the baby must stretch the affected muscle and place your baby in the crib so that stimulating pictures and activities are in the opposite direction of the tilt. Strengthening the opposite side of the neck, as well as the upper body and arms, can also help to stretch and relieve the affected muscle.

4. Carry your baby in a position facing away from you, so that the non-affected side rests against your forearm. Place your opposite arm between your baby's legs to support her body. You should carry your baby in this position as much as possible.

5. Frequently apply gentle massage to the affected muscle to help relieve pain and allow the muscle to relax. Massage and stretching exercises should never hurt, so only use as much strength as your baby can handle comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• Torticollis is reversible if treated before age one. Practicing these home treatments can reduce the risk of serious spinal conditions, facial deformity and necessary surgery.