Torticollis in Madison, OH

“Torticollis” describes a condition in which the head tilts to one side, and head movement is difficult. The condition may be congenital or result from an injury or another type of trauma. The chiropractors of French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison specialize in treatments that alleviate the symptoms of torticollis for the residents of Painesville, Mentor and surrounding towns in Ohio.

What is Torticollis?

Torticollis is a type of dystonia or lengthy muscle contractions characterized by the involuntary contraction of neck muscles that cause the head to turn. The condition may have no known cause (idiopathic), be inherited, or acquired as a result of nervous system damage or damage to muscles. It can form in either childhood or adulthood. Congenital torticollis — torticollis acquired at birth — may be the result of incorrect positioning of the head while inside the uterus or develop from a prenatal injury to the neck’s blood supply or muscle injury.

Torticollis is part of a broad spectrum of disorders exhibiting extension, flexion and muscle twisting of the neck outside its normal range of motion. The neck tends to move to one side, resulting in a tilting of the head. Torticollis may slowly develop if the cause is genetic, or occur rapidly as the result of trauma.

What are the Causes of Torticollis?

Torticollis may be inherited or acquired. If it is inherited, this means it is because of your genes. When it is acquired, it develops because of nervous system damage or damage to the muscles or upper spine.

Other possible causes include an infection of the neck or head. The infections may lead to inflamed lymph nodes and glands in the neck, causing nearby muscles to contract. The condition may also be correlated with throat abscesses and infection of the upper airway. Other possible causes include infections of the ears, sinuses, jaw, mastoids, scalp, or teeth.

Some illicit drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and ketamine can result in a lack of normal muscle control. The condition may cause sudden, involuntary contractions of the face, back, or neck muscles.

What are the Symptoms of Torticollis?

• Restricted range of head motion
• Headache
• Neck pain
• Head tremors
• Stiff neck muscles
• One shoulder higher than the other
• Swelling of neck muscles that may be inherited

What is the Treatment for Torticollis?

The doctors at French Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats torticollis using manual or instrument-assisted adjustments, in addition to softening the involved musculature to diminish and resolve the symptoms of torticollis.

Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms torticollis, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.