The phenomenon is quite common. About 10-12% of babies suffer from it, and this usually greatly worries parents. However, this is the very case when timely treatment can completely correct the problem, and the lack of treatment can result in serious consequences. Torticollis does not go away by itself. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is massage. Is it possible to do it at home, what is the technique and method of exposure, we will tell you in this article.
How is torticollis manifested?
Torticollis can have different causes, but its manifestations, as a rule, are very similar - the child's head tilts with a simultaneous opposite turn. A curved neck can be due to certain pathologies of the bones of the cervical spine, due to pathologies of the nerves in this section, and muscle torticollis is also widespread.
In infants, pathology can be congenital or acquired, for example, during a difficult birth. If you do nothing at all, hoping for self-medication, complications can be very serious: deformities of the facial bones, skull, spine, severe neurological abnormalities and a decrease in intellectual abilities, memory, deterioration of speech functions in the future, and respiratory disorders are possible.
Since the reasons may be different, you first need to identify the true one - the tactics of treating the child will depend on it. Therapy can be either surgical or conservative. They usually start with conservative treatment, which includes:
- massage;
- electrophoresis;
- special remedial gymnastics.
If this treatment does not help within six months, a decision may be made to perform an operation.
In the vast majority of infants, torticollis is associated with abnormalities in the development of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It starts behind the ear and goes down to the collarbone.
A child with torticollis usually turns his head in only one direction - the opposite of the one in which there is a lesion. If you look at the back of the baby, one scapula from the side of the lesion will be higher than the other, and its pterygoid protrusion may also be noticeable.
When a baby with torticollis is asleep, he usually squeezes only one palm into a fist. If you touch a sore muscle, a spindle-shaped seal will be found on it. When trying to turn the baby's head to the other side, the baby resists.
The diagnosis is established on the basis of examination and the conclusion of radiography.
Do you need a massage?
Massage is necessary, but the decision to carry it out should be made by the doctor, and not by the mother on her own. The fact is that massage is needed not ordinary, general, but therapeutic, so you will definitely need the help of a professional massage therapist, a specialist in physiotherapy exercises for babies and a physiotherapist.
A massage for a child will not be 100% pleasant, parents should be prepared for the fact that the massage will be associated with certain painful sensations. True, over time, the baby will get used to it, and the pain will decrease significantly. The objective of the massage course for this pathology is to normalize the tone of the muscles of the neck, occipital muscles and the muscular corset of the shoulder girdle. If we are talking about neurogenic torticollis, you cannot do without the help of a neurologist.
If the cause is the pathology of the vertebrae, you need to consult a surgeon, vertebrologist.
The massage improves blood circulation in the muscles of the neck, relieves "clamps" and blocks that prevent the normal functioning of muscle tissue from the affected side. The masseur stretches the affected muscle and stimulates the nerve endings. Gradually, the range of motion and functionality expand, torticollis is corrected, muscles and vertebrae take their natural position.
Self-massage - is it possible?
A lot of massage courses will be required (treatment lasts from six months to a year). Each session is expensive. Not every Russian family can find the required amount. Theoretically, it is almost impossible to do such a massage on your own: therapeutic massage should be performed only by a specialist who knows the anatomy and physiology of an infant perfectly.
However, in practice, massage is possible provided that the mother asks a good specialist to teach her the basic techniques, and for the first few sessions she will carry out the massage with her own hands under the supervision of a medical specialist. Do not think that massage therapists keep their secrets carefully. Many doctors are happy to show and tell the rules of this massage to parents.
Therefore, several sessions or even a whole course will still have to be paid in order to visit a professional as much as the mother needs in order to remember the sequence of actions and the rules of massaging. Inexperienced unauthorized actions can only harm the child.
If the initial training is completed, the attending physician may well allow home massage for children, but mom needs to try very hard to earn his trust.
What do you need?
To perform the procedure at home, you will need to choose the right place for the massage. We immediately exclude beds and other soft surfaces. The child should lie so that his spinal column is in an even position, does not "fall through" and does not "sag". For babies, changing tables or regular dining tables are great. You can also massage on the dresser, if there is one in the house. Cover the surface with a diaper.
To make it easier for the mother to slide her hands, you should use vegetable oil, slightly warmed up so as not to give the baby unpleasant sensations. If there is a hypoallergenic massage product, use it. You can also apply the traditional baby cream for such cases.
If the child is already 3 months old, buy a fitball - a large gymnastic ball, exercises on which allow you to achieve a noticeable relaxation of the muscles of the neck and collar zone.
Technique
To massage a baby correctly, you should adhere to a certain scheme. Some massage therapists begin the session from the supine position, but most often the first starting position is the lateral position.
- With a right-sided crotch, place the child on the left side, with a left-sided - on the right.
- Soften your hands with a slip aid and slowly and gradually begin stroking the affected part of your neck. When the muscle becomes warm and the skin changes its color to a deep pink due to blood flow, proceed to rubbing. Do them without strong pressure, then the movements will not hurt the child.
- Turn the baby on the back. Take its head in your hands and slightly, very delicately turn it to the central position - facing you. If traffic is restricted, stop where there is a restriction. Lightly stroke the clavicular mastoid muscle with the back of your hand and again try to turn the head straighter a few millimeters. If the child begins to worry, stop the exercise, you can always return to it later, insert it into any sequence of techniques.
- Turn the child on its side to the affected side (with a right-sided crotch - to the right). Take the baby's head in the palm of your hand, hold it, feel that the baby has relaxed, and release your palms. The natural compensatory movement of the muscles will be directed towards the gradual establishment of the head in the correct position.
- Make turns from the back to the tummy. It is best to first make turns 10 times through the healthy side, and then the same amount through the sick side.
- Place the crumb on your stomach. Pat and rub the back, avoiding direct impact on the vertebrae. Gently stroke the muscles of the back of the neck, neck crease and shoulders. When the skin becomes pink and warm, turn the baby's head to the healthy side and massage the cheek, and then turn the head to the affected side, as far as the pathology allows, massage the second cheek. Repeat these turns 8-10 times.
- Turn the baby onto its back. Massage your arms and legs lightly, starting with your fingers upward, and finish with light rubbing on your chest and abdomen. Do this in a circular motion with your open palm.
- Additionally, you can place the child on the fitball, holding the legs so that the bottom of the crumbs is above the head. In this position, you need to lie down for about a minute on the back and the same amount on your tummy. This will effectively relax the muscles in the neck area.
After the massage, turn the baby's head to the most correct position (as far as the muscle restriction allows) and fix the Shants collar.
Here are some helpful tips for mom to independent effective treatment of torticollis in a child:
- See your doctor every month to assess progress or lack thereof;
- a course of massage with such a pathology lasts from 14 to 20 sessions (one session per day), a mandatory break is required between courses - 1-1.5 months;
- do not forget to massage the healthy side of the neck. Muscles on both sides must receive sufficient physical activity;
- make sure that the child sleeps on different sides: on the right in one rest period, on the left in the next;
- the duration of one session is about 10 minutes, it is better to start with 2-3 minutes, gradually increasing the time;
- talk to the child, sing to him, read rhymes, turn on the music, do everything so that the baby does not perceive massage as an unpleasant and inevitable necessity, try to make him love these activities;
- if the muscle tension is very strong, start a massage in warm water. The water temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. In the water, the child relaxes faster, this also applies to the affected muscle. It will be easier for you to knead it, and it will give the child less discomfort;
- during the day, take the child correctly - wear it vertically so that the baby's shoulders are approximately at the same level with the mother's, put the head on your shoulder, best of all - on the side of the torticollis, in extreme cases, support it in the correct position with your own cheek;
- be sure to carry out therapeutic exercises every day, recommended by the doctor individually, depending on the cause and the specific type of torticollis. If massage is usually prescribed from the age of two months, then gymnastic exercises from the exercise therapy complex - from 3-4 months.
It will take patience from parents. There will be no quick results, especially in cases of congenital torticollis. But patient work, daily massage and gymnastics in most cases help to cope with pathology.
For information on how to massage with a crooked child, see the next video.
The birth of a healthy baby is the greatest happiness for his parents. But it also happens that already in the first days after its birth, the crumb makes its mother and father thoroughly worry. They notice that the head of their beloved toddler is constantly turned to one side. And, when trying to change her position, the baby feels discomfort, and a painful grimace appears on his face. If you turn to your local pediatrician with similar symptoms, he will most likely make a diagnosis - muscle torticollis... And he will send the baby for a consultation with a pediatric orthopedist-traumatologist. To understand what kind of disease it is, you cannot do without an anatomy lesson.
Torticollis in newborns: what is it
We have a tubercle behind the lower edge of the auricle. In the region of this tubercle, a muscle begins, which is attached with its two legs in the clavicle and in the upper third of the sternum. This muscle in humans is responsible for tilting and turning the head in the opposite direction. And its name speaks for itself. After all, they call this muscle nodding or sternocleidomastoid muscle .
If, for some reason, the sternocleidomastoid muscle is affected, the child's head tilts in its direction and, at the same time, turns to the opposite (healthy) one. This is how it manifests itself muscle torticollis in newborns .
Muscular torticollis: causes
Muscular torticollis- This is a forced unnatural position of the child's head, the causes of which can be both congenital and acquired pathologies.
The most common are:
- Wrong position of the fetus and various complications during.
- Compression of the neck during childbirth (in the case of an umbilical cord entanglement, for example), birth trauma to the neck.
- Oxygen starvation of the fetal brain or long-term can cause increased tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscle of the newborn.
Torticollis in infants: signs of torticollis
As a rule, the first signs of this disease can be noticed only 6-14 days after the birth of the child. In addition to the unnatural turn of the baby's head, where the sternocleidomastoid muscle is located, a small seal (1-3 cm in size) can be found. The very same muscle, to the touch, hardened. It seems noticeably shorter than the second, symmetrical to her.
If you notice such symptoms in a baby, be sure to consult a doctor. Only he is able to make an accurate diagnosis. After all, muscular dystonia can also manifest itself. It is treated much easier than torticollis, the therapy of which is complex and long-term.
Torticollis: photo
Torticollis: treatment
The best results in treating muscle torticollis in infants can be achieved by using several therapies at the same time.
First, the baby is prescribed physiotherapy exercises and massage, and position treatment... And from 1-1.5 months it will be possible to add:
- Electrophoresis (with lidase or potassium iodide solution).
- Paraffin applications.
- Thermal treatments before massage sessions.
The head of the baby must be constantly maintained in a physiological position (with the help of an orthopedic pillow or Shants's collar). To do this, parents can make a collar bandage themselves (or under the guidance of a physical therapist). You can purchase such a collar ready-made, as well as make it to order at a prosthetic company.
Massage for torticollis and remedial gymnastics
The most effective treatment for torticollis in infants is massage. It is best to entrust its implementation to a specialist in this field.
But also independently, at home, with a certain preparation, you can carry out and, and. The main thing is to clearly understand what you are doing and why.
Here are a few exercises that you can do to your baby yourself. All of them are aimed at gradually stretching the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Some movements can be quite painful for a child. Perform them carefully, without using force.
And remember: only regular daily exercises and procedures in the treatment of muscle torticollis in newborns can give a positive result.
- The first exercise is best done together. For example, let it be the baby's mom and dad. The dad should put the child on the table, face up, so that the lower part of his body, up to the shoulder girdle, is on the table, and the neck and head hang down. At the same time, the mother supports the head of the crumbs. Then, alternately, gently tilts it back along the midline and understands it chin forward. You need to try to ensure that the baby's head hangs under its own weight. In this case, the sternocleidomastoid muscle relaxes and gradually stretches. The exercise should be repeated 4-8 times.
- Second exercise. The starting position is the same. The mother supports the baby's head with both hands on the sides and makes it tilt towards the healthy sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is desirable that the child's ear reaches his shoulder. The tilt is repeated 3 times, then you need to try to gently, without causing pain, tilt the head of the crumbs in the opposite direction, as far as possible. Strictly observe the ratio of slopes in the "sick" and "healthy" sides - 1: 3. We repeat the exercise 4-8 times.
- The third exercise is also aimed at gradually stretching the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The starting position is the same as in exercise # 1. But the child is not lying on his back, but on his healthy side. Mom supports the baby's head with her palm. She gradually puts her hand down. At the same time, its support weakens, and the head of the crumbs, again, hangs down on its own, but on its side, stretching the affected muscle with its weight. We also repeat 4-8 times.
As for massage with a child's crotch, then, as they say, it's better to see once ...
Torticollis in a child: massage for torticollis (video)
Muscular torticollis: predictions
Muscle torticollis in a newborn is almost impossible to miss. If it is not treated, the child will experience discomfort and painful sensations, which will negatively affect the development of the baby, his sleep and appetite. Torticollis is able to change the facial expressions of the baby's face and develop into a defect in appearance. But all this can be avoided by recognizing the disease in time and proceeding to eliminate it.
And although the treatment of torticollis is quite long, it brings very good results. If you follow all the recommendations of the attending physician, pretty soon you will notice clear improvements in the condition of the crumbs. And the time will come, and you will be glad that your baby's head turns equally in both directions.
Children in infancy are often diagnosed with torticollis, a disease in which the baby's cervical spine is deformed, and the head is tilted towards the sore muscle. Massage with torticollis is one of the mandatory methods of treating the disease. If you do not take any measures, complications such as facial asymmetry, abnormal development of the spine, and others can join the primary deformation of the muscles. With timely treatment, all unpleasant symptoms disappear over time without a trace.
So that by the time the baby is one year old, he has fully recovered, you need to start treatment of torticollis immediately
The benefits of massage in the treatment of torticollis
The massage prescribed for a child with torticollis should be carried out in a course every 3 months. The task of the massage therapist is to stretch the affected muscle, improve its circulation and return to normal tone. During the procedure for newborns, such techniques as vibration, rubbing, tapping are used. Massage actions are carried out not only from the patient, but also from the healthy side.
If torticollis is not eliminated before the infant reaches 1 year of age, further treatment may be delayed. In this case, a matured child may develop severe headaches and an increase in intracranial pressure. Due to bone deformities, blood vessels will overlap, and poor blood circulation will lead to rapid fatigue, weakening of memory, and irritability. Often, children already at school age suffer from untreated torticollis.
Massage and gymnastics, carried out at a very early age, are the key to the health of the child. Unlike drugs, these methods are the safest for newborns. It is only important that the massage is done by a specialist (or controlled the process, if the mother wants to carry out the procedure). However, the mother must first undergo appropriate training, since massage aimed at eliminating torticollis in newborns is therapeutic and requires professional skills.
If the mother decides to massage the child on her own, then she will have to undergo a training course with an experienced specialist.
Massage technique
There is a huge plus in the fact that the mother will treat the baby: the child will not be afraid, he will be able to relax, which will have a positive effect on the result. When massaging newborns, one should act very carefully, since improper manipulations can increase the lateral curvature of the neck. All movements during this procedure should be smooth. The massage should not cause pain or discomfort to the baby.
The massage procedure for crankshaft should be carried out in several stages.
Follow these steps:
- Lay the newborn on its back on a firm surface (changing cabinet, countertop, floor).
- Take his head in your palms and pull it slightly towards you.
- Rotate your baby's neck to the side opposite the sore muscle. Be very fluid.
- In the same position, slightly lift the baby's chin up.
Repeat these steps 8-10 times. Move on to the next step.
- Lay the baby on the affected side.
- Take its head in your palms, fix it, and then quickly remove your hands.
- Make sure that the baby himself holds his head in this position for a few seconds.
- Turn the baby several times from back to stomach and back, first from the healthy side, then vice versa.
Next stage:
- Turn the baby onto the tummy.
- With vibrating movements of your fingers, walk along its back from top to bottom, and then back.
- Pat your back and neck with your palms.
- Turn the baby's head to the left side and massage his cheek, then do the same on the other side.
Massage for newborns ends with general stroking of the arms and legs. Move them smoothly, gently, lightly tapping on the baby's body with your fingers. Do not forget that torticollis requires constant monitoring by pediatric specialists.
If the baby agrees to a massage with dissatisfaction, turn on quiet classical music - it will help the child to relax.
In order for the massage to bring only benefits to the baby and torticollis go away faster, use these important tips:
- spend at least 15 daily sessions per course with a break of 2.5-3 months (after consulting a neurologist and pediatrician);
- if the baby is naughty, crying, bending over, postpone the procedure or distract him with toys;
- play quiet classical music during the massage: it has been proven to have a calming and relaxing effect on babies;
- during the procedure, use a simple cream for newborns;
- while the child has torticollis, put him to sleep on a mattress of medium hardness, without putting a pillow; if the doctor recommends, you can purchase an orthopedic roller under the neck;
- with crooked neck, shift the baby from one side to the other more often, both during sleep and during wakefulness.
If your toddler is diagnosed with torticollis, don't panic. Massages and special exercises performed by a professional always give a positive result. Trust specialists and constantly monitor the position of the child's body. Remember that timely treatment and good care preclude surgical intervention in almost all cases.
In general, torticollis in infants is classified as congenital or acquired. The most common type is congenital muscle torticollis in a child.
Although babies have this condition when they are born, parents may not notice it until babies are a few weeks old, as babies at this age already have more control over their head movement.
Torticollis is relatively common in newborns. Boys and girls have the same probability. Torticollis in a child may develop at the age of 3 months or is already present at birth.
It can be upsetting for parents when they notice that the child has symptoms of torticollis - the head is tilted, or the infant has difficulty turning its neck.
But most children do not feel pain with torticollis. And, fortunately, your child usually gets better with simple head positioning or stretching exercises that you can do at home.
Babies with torticollis will move like most other babies. Except when it comes to turning-related activities.
A child with torticollis is characterized by several characteristics:
- Can tilt head in one direction (difficult to see in very young children).
- Prefers to look at others over one shoulder. Instead of turning around and following with your eyes.
- If the mother is breastfeeding, the babies have difficulty feeding from one side or prefer only one breast.
- The infant works hard to turn towards the parent and gets upset when it is impossible to turn his head completely.
Some children with torticollis also develop asymmetries in the shape of the head and face (positional plagiocephaly), from lying on one side. Or, a tense muscle develops a small bump or bump that looks like a knot.
Causes of torticollis in newborns:
- Congenital torticollis in babies often results from a taut muscle that connects the rib cage and collarbone to the skull. This tension could be due to the baby's position in utero (with the head tilted to the side) or because the muscles were damaged during childbirth.
- Much less often, congenital torticollis in infants is caused by abnormalities in the bones of the neck - the cervical vertebrae. Bones may be abnormally formed. This condition is known as Klippel-Feil syndrome.
This syndrome causes problems in a child not only with the neck. Many children have other difficulties, especially hearing and kidney problems. In addition, stretching exercises recommended for muscle torticollis are not only ineffective but potentially dangerous for a child with Klippel-Feil syndrome.
- Torticollis is sometimes associated with other conditions of infancy, such as hip dysplasia.
- Rarely, congenital torticollis can be inherited. Or it could be the result of a more serious medical condition, such as a brain or spinal cord tumor that damages the nervous system or muscles.
If the newborn has torticollis with an underlying skeletal abnormality, X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor will start by asking you a series of questions to help determine the type of torticollis in your child.
Questions can be as follows:
- What is the child's age?
- When did you notice that the child has torticollis?
- Was there a head or neck injury?
- The child has ?
- Does the child have an infection?
- Has the child had any head and / or neck surgery?
- Have you noticed any other symptoms?
- Has the child been given any medication?
Inspection and inspection
The doctor will do a complete physical and neurological exam to determine the type of torticollis.
This inspection includes:
- checking the amplitude of movement of the head and neck;
- Palpation (feeling) of the muscles in the neck to see if there is a small bump or "pseudotumor", which happens in about one in three cases of congenital torticollis;
- looking for the presence or absence of asymmetry, irregularities in the face and head to check for a condition called plagiocephaly.
It is important to check this because the newborn's head and face may develop unevenly due to the constant tilt of the head to one side.
It is also necessary to examine the child's hip joints for how they rotate.
There is a high chance that babies with congenital torticollis develop hip dysplasia.
Your doctor may also request other tests. For example, ultrasound to look for certain abnormalities in the spine that could be a sign of rare but serious health problems.
There is currently no way to prevent torticollis in newborns. However, with timely initiation of treatment, complications can be avoided.
You can improve the congenital shape of the neck by stretching the muscles. If treatment is started within a few months after birth, it can be very successful.
In about 15% of cases, neither physical therapy nor repositioning and home exercise will be effective. The next step is an orthopedic collar (Chance collar).
If this also fails, surgery may be recommended. The operation for crankshaft is quite simple. The intervention is minimal, including the weakening of the stiff neck muscle. The operation should always be followed by physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy) in order to stimulate the muscles to grow properly again.
Treatment of torticollis in infants depends on its severity. Mild cases can often be resolved by repositioning the head, stretching, and targeted exercises on the shortened neck muscles. In addition to this program, a child's neck and shoulder massage may also be required. In more severe cases, exercise therapy may be recommended.
How to use the circle for bathing newborns?
For babies, a medical massage will be useful. Massage for torticollis in infants is an effective method that can normalize muscle tone.
In babies with torticollis, as a result of such an impact, clinical progress will be found - the muscles of the neck will lengthen and at the same time strengthen.
Your doctor, massage therapist, or physical therapy specialist can provide competent advice on appropriate exercises.
It's important that it be fun. The treatment needs to be turned into an enjoyable experience for the child.
When you do the exercises for the first time, the child may protest, as it is difficult for him.
It's important to start slowly. Do very short sessions at first.
If the child starts to fuss or cry, move on to another activity or try another stretching or exercise. Gradually, you will be able to do these exercises for a longer time. An important principle is consistency and consistency.
Be sure to exercise daily. Do exactly the number of reps recommended by your doctor. You can also use your child's favorite toys to make the exercise time more fun.
Continue to encourage your child to move their neck and twist their head in all directions to strengthen weak muscles. In addition to the exercise regimen prescribed by a doctor or therapist, this can be done in other ways - with games. Treatment will be even more effective if it is integrated into your daily life.
How to fix torticollis at home?
Child transfer method
Be sure to alternate sides when carrying or holding your child so that he can look in different directions. You will probably find that you tend to carry the baby on one shoulder more often. In this case, the kid will always look in the preferred direction.
Change the shoulder on which you carry your baby so that the baby can see interesting things around. Encourage him to turn his head in a direction where there is tension.
Baby feeding position
Also alternate the side and position in which you hold the baby while feeding. Even babies often tend to prefer one breast and constantly strive to return to it.
When the baby sleeps
The child will try to look away or at something interesting, so be sure to alternate the direction in which he sleeps in the crib. Encourage your baby to turn his head in a direction that is more difficult for him as often as possible.
When the child is resting
If you carry your child in a car seat or carrier, be sure to use pillows or special collars (Chance collar) for babies. Even a rolled towel or blanket helps. Make sure your baby is keeping her head and neck straight and not leaning to one side.
During the game
When playing with your child, always supervise the position of the baby. Encourage him to stretch his neck and look in different directions.
Use toys and other fun objects to encourage your baby to roll his head. Place the toys in the crib so that the baby makes an effort to look at them.
Exercises for crankshaft
- Slowly turn the baby's head, tilting the chin towards the shoulder. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Then turn the crown to the other side and hold it for 10 seconds. Do this several times on each side.
- Slowly tilt the child's head, as if trying to bring the ear to the shoulder. Hold for 10 seconds. Then tilt your head to the other side and hold it for 10 seconds. Do this several times on each side.
A child should undoubtedly spend more time lying on their stomach to minimize the likelihood of head-face asymmetry.
Positioning the baby on its stomach for short periods of wakefulness is an important exercise because it helps to strengthen the muscles of the neck and shoulders and prepares the baby for crawling.
Place the baby on your lap with the belly down. Then talk or sing, urging him to turn to face you. Practice this exercise for 10 to 15 minutes.
If a baby is diagnosed with torticollis, it is very important that the parents take this condition seriously and follow all the doctor's recommendations. So you can avoid health problems of the child, prevent the development of flat head syndrome.
It is important to know that torticollis is successfully treated with massage, exercise therapy and competent home care. The sooner the child receives the correct diagnosis and treatment, the fewer complications he will face in the future.
Torticollis is a disease expressed by turning the head to one side. Massage for torticollis is the most effective and safe way to treat it, which does not bring discomfort to the baby and does not harm the body. It can be performed not only by doctors, but also by mothers (under the supervision of specialists). According to statistics, torticollis responds well to massage therapy.
What is torticollis: causes of its appearance and symptoms
Torticollis is a pathological change in the musculoskeletal structure in the cervical zone (muscular dystrophy), which is accompanied by a tilt of the head to one side.
The problem of congenital torticollis occurs in many children, it occurs due to deformation of the vertebrae. This ailment occurs due to underdeveloped mastoid muscles, but it can form when the child passes through the birth canal.
One of the reasons for the appearance of torticollis is birth trauma. The muscle can tear, leading to the transfer of muscle fibers to tendons. At this point, the formation of a scar occurs, and the muscles begin to lag behind in growth. Also, if the baby has inflammation in the womb, the muscles become less elastic. Experts note that babies born by cesarean section can also suffer from torticollis.
According to statistics, boys have this ailment more often than girls. Symptoms of torticollis are hard not to notice, as a rule, they appear from two weeks of age. Let us consider in more detail the visible signs that arise when a child has a torticollis:
- the head is directed to one side throughout the entire time (usually to the right). In the opposite direction, the turn is painful and difficult;
- if you put the baby on his stomach, an S-shaped bend of the spine will be visible;
- a protruding blade is visually visible from the damaged side;
- the baby resists when trying to tilt his head in the opposite direction;
- deformities of the skull are visually noticeable;
- in the area of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, when pressed with fingers, you can notice a seal (not painful). By the 4th week, it becomes as pronounced as possible, but by the age of six months it completely disappears.
The benefits and effects of massage
The massage, which the doctor prescribes for the child with torticollis, must be carried out in courses. The break between massage courses is 90 days. Massage for torticollis has a positive effect on the affected muscle: it normalizes its blood circulation, brings the condition to normal tone.
Exercise helps to reduce the likelihood of developing deformities of the musculoskeletal tissues of the head and neck.
Exercises can only be started after consulting a therapist and neurologist.
Treatment of torticollis is recommended before the child is 12 months old. During this period, the disease is easier to eliminate than at a later age. In one-year-old babies, torticollis may be accompanied by a slight increase in intracranial pressure and migraines (headaches). With torticollis, bone deformities occur, so over time, the overlap of blood vessels begins.
Due to the difficulty in blood circulation in the child, memory problems and deviations from the nervous system (increased irritability and fatigue) may begin. If torticollis is not treated at an early age, these symptoms may appear as early as early preschool age. 
Basic rules of massage technique
When performing massage, you should act very carefully so as not to aggravate the position of the neck. It is worth remembering that the wrong technique can significantly increase the curvature of the neck, so you should carefully read the correct technique. The massage should not give the child uncomfortable and painful sensations; all movements should be carried out smoothly, without sudden pressure.
During a massage with torticollis, it is necessary to exert an equal effect on the unproblematic side of the neck. During each exercise, it is important to monitor the behavior and condition of the child. If your child has tight muscles, toys can be used to relax and distract him.
Specific techniques
With the permission of the attending physician, you can perform home massage for torticollis. If the baby is treated by a close relative, the effectiveness of the massage will be more noticeable. This is due to the fact that the child will be able to completely relax, and will not be afraid (as is the case with most doctors).
Before performing a massage for torticollis, it is worth remembering that all movements applied to the affected areas should be neat and smooth. Massage is performed on a hard surface such as a floor or table (it is important to make sure the surface is not cold). The massage is carried out in several stages. Let's take a closer look at how to carry out the first stage:
- the baby is placed on a hard surface, on the back;
- the head is carefully placed in the palms and pulled slightly forward;
- with a smooth movement, the newborn's neck is turned in a healthy direction;
- from this position, they try to slightly raise the baby's chin up.
The above movements will be repeated at least 7 times. Then they move on to the second stage:
After this, the newborn is turned on its stomach and back several times: first from the healthy side, and then from the damaged side. Then they move on to the final stage:
- the baby is turned over on its stomach;
- carry out a light vibration with your fingers on the back of the baby: first they move from top to bottom, then from bottom to top;
- the cervical spine and upper back are stroked with palms for a few seconds;
- the head of the newborn is turned to the right side and the cheek is lightly massaged, after which the same actions are carried out on the other side.
At the end of the massage, the arms and legs are stroked to the child for one minute. Stroking (rubbing), like the previous actions, should be smooth.
Video
Prevention of torticollis in a child
Physiotherapy
Along with massage, you can resort to a set of special exercises. They are aimed at relaxing and stretching the muscles in the neck. They should be appointed by a pediatrician, only with his permission can the treatment of torticollis be started with gymnastics. Exercise requires 2 people. Let's take a closer look at the technique of performing the most common and effective exercise for torticollis.
The first firmly holds the body and arms of the newborn, and the second - his head. Attention should be paid to the position of the child: the body and head must be at the same level. The shoulders should be parallel to the edge of the surface (for example, a changing table), the neck with the head hanging down. Over time, the person who holds the head should slightly reduce the support, and then raise his head until it touches the chest. This technique should be used 2 times a day - in the morning and before bedtime. 
If you find torticollis in a newborn, do not panic. In the early stages, this ailment responds well to treatment. Thanks to a specially developed massage technique and gymnastics, the problem can be dealt with in a few months (without resorting to drug treatment). In order for massage therapy to be more effective, you should adhere to useful tips:
- If the baby cannot calm down and begins to be capricious before the massage, he must be distracted with toys. In addition to this, you can include children's songs or any calm melody. Neurologists recommend giving children classical music to listen to, as it has a beneficial effect on their emotional state.
- It is recommended to bathe the newborn with a special bathing circle. It fixes the correct position of the neck.
- The massage can be performed without a cream, but it is better to purchase a special baby cream, so as not to accidentally damage the baby's skin. Most of the creams have an excellent hypoallergenic composition, therefore they do not cause skin reactions.
- Stroking is carried out with the pads of the fingers, which are directed from the ear to the collarbone. Tapping and vibrating movements can be done in any direction.
- When diagnosing torticollis in a baby, it is important to try to shift his head to the healthy side during the day and during sleep. It is advisable to sleep without a pillow during orthopedic massage of medium hardness. You can put a baby bag under the baby's head (or roll the fabric into a roller).
- In addition to massage, a large elastic ball (fitball) helps to cure torticollis. The baby is placed on it (belly down), held firmly and started to swing slightly in different directions. It is important to monitor the position of your head. Its level must necessarily be lower than the buttocks. This is due to the fact that in this position the muscles of the neck and back completely relax, and the vestibular apparatus begins to develop and strengthen. Then the baby is turned over on the back and the same actions are repeated.
Massaging a baby at an early age is a guarantee of his health.