Torticollis is a relatively common affliction for infants, prevalence 0,4-2,0 %. Torticollis means that the child holds his/her head tilted towards one direction and rotates it in the opposite direction. Torticollis is Latin and torti mean oblique and collis mean neck. The most common form is “congenital muscular torticollis” it abbreviated CMT. Muscular torticollis is a result of shortening or excessive contraction of the Sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) muscle. About a third of the children who hold their heads in this position have no shorted muscle, only an increased activity in the muscle on one side. This is called postural torticollis; there is often a weakness in the opposite muscle. 

Children with left sided torticollis bend the head to the left and rotate to the right. Children with right sided torticollis bend the head to the right and rotate to the left. It is always referred to the child’s right or left side. 

The pictures above shows two children with left sided torticollis, typically side bending to the left and rotation to the right. This position is most obvious in infants when they are lying on their back. 

  The picture above show a child with right sided torticollis, tipically side bending to the right. 

THE DIAGNOSIS SHALL ALWAYS BE DONE BY A PHYSICIAN WHO HAS EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN. OTHER CAUSES OF TORTICOLLIS HAVE TO BE EXCLUDED.

When the child is awake and under observation prone position is an advantage. Under bildgalleri "lek på mage" you can find example how to stimulate time in the prone position.

It is important with varaiation of the heads position. Also be aware that car seats is a hard surface for your child; only use it when you are in a car, not as a chair.

Look at "hjälpmedel" baby sleep is a device that can help to position the baby away from the flattned side.