Definition:

A contraction, often spasmodic, of the muscles of the neck, chiefly those supplied by the spinal accessory nerve; the head is drawn to one side and usually rotated so that the chin points to the other side.

Symptoms:

• Abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position
• laterocollis : the head is tipped towards the shoulder
• rotational torticollis : the head rotates along the longitudal axis
• anterocollis : forward flexion of the head and neck
• retrocollis : hyperextension of head and neck backwards

Causes:

• Congenital
• Painful neck muscles
• scarring or disease of cervical vertebrae
• Adenitis
• Tonsillitis
• Rheumatism
• Enlarged cervical glands
• Retropharyngeal abscess
• Cerebellar tumors

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching
• Create muscle balance in neck
• Soft tissue massage
• Posture program