Torticollis
Key facts
- Torticollis is a common condition when your neck muscles spasm, causing pain on one side and difficulty straightening your neck.
- Babies are sometimes born with torticollis.
- You can develop torticollis from muscle trauma that may be so minor you don’t even recall it.
- You can treat torticollis with pain relief, applying gentle heat and massage.
- Your symptoms will usually disappear within about a week.
What is torticollis?
Torticollis (twisted neck) is when the muscles of your neck spasm or cramp. It causes your neck to twist to one side. It’s a physical sign, not a disease.
Torticollis is a common cause of neck pain in young people and is usually not linked to a past neck injury.
What are the symptoms of torticollis?
Torticollis usually causes pain on one side of your neck. You may feel pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders. The pain can make it difficult to do your usual activities. It can also cause headaches.
Torticollis can twist your head in different directions:
- your chin towards your shoulder
- your ear towards your shoulder
- your chin straight up
- your chin straight down
Your symptoms will usually disappear completely within 7 to 10 days.
These symptoms may indicate a serious cause of torticollis, and need urgent assessment by your doctor:
- fever
- increased drooling
- a sore throat
- difficulty swallowing
- visual changes
- changes in sensation or mobility of your limbs
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes torticollis?
In newborn babies, torticollis may be caused by birth trauma or a spinal abnormality in their spine. It can also develop in the days or months after birth due to lack of tummy time or if they have a preferred head position.
In children and adults, torticollis may happen because of a sudden muscle spasm in your neck. This may be due to injury or trauma to a muscle that is so minor that you might not remember, such as an awkward position after a flight or a different sleeping position.
Sometimes inflammation in your neck or nearby ligaments or muscles, or reactions to certain medicines, can cause torticollis. Another rare but serious cause of torticollis is a tumour in the back of the head or spine.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if:
- your baby has difficulty feeding on one side
- you, your baby, or your child show signs of infection
- your pain, or your child's pain, is getting worse
- your pain, or your child’s pain, doesn’t improve within 7 to 10 days
You should also seek urgent medical attention if you or your child have symptoms that may indicate a serious cause of torticollis.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is torticollis diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose torticollis with a physical examination.
In some cases, your doctor may refer you for an x-ray or CT scan or other tests.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is torticollis treated?
Usually, you can treat torticollis by applying a heat pack and massaging your neck.
Your doctor might advise:
- pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
- medicines to relax your muscles
- physiotherapy to reduce pain and stiffness
- antibiotics, if you have an infection
If your baby has torticollis, ask for advice on how to position them during feeding and sleeping. You can also learn how to gently move their head to encourage the neck to stretch.
If you have torticollis, try to keep active and move your neck as normally as possible. Move your head and neck naturally to help prevent additional stiffness.
If your symptoms don’t improve, you’re worried or if you have other symptoms together with torticollis, see your physiotherapist or doctor for further advice.
Can torticollis be prevented?
To reduce your risk of neck pain, try these tips:
- Improve your posture — Stand and sit straight, with your shoulders over your hips and your ears over your shoulders. Hold phones or tablets up when using them, instead of bending your neck.
- Arrange your workspace — Use a footrest if your knees and hips are not on the same level or when your feet do not sit flat on the ground. Move items that you use regularly closer, so you don’t have to twist or reach too far.
- Take frequent breaks — If you work at a computer or travel long distances, get up, go for a short walk and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Support your neck while sleeping — Sleep with a small pillow to support your neck. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body.
- Don't carry heavy bags on one shoulder — The weight can strain your neck.
- Quit smoking — It can increase the risk of developing neck pain.
Resources and support
These websites provide more detailed information about the causes and management of neck pain.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: March 2024
