Are you going through a painful experience around the neck region? Do you often find yourself in uncomfortable positions while trying to look for something? Or worse, is your baby too undergoing the same agony?

Then Torticollis is the problem. But then, there is nothing to worry, as the condition can be treated with simple exercises as well.

Would you like to know more? Keep reading.

What Is Torticollis?

Often known as wryneck, Torticollis is a disorder where your neck muscles are twisted beyond the typical posture. In this condition, the muscles twist in such a way that your head experiences a tilt. Torticollis can occur due to hereditary reasons, or due to some traumatic experience you might have had in the past. Sometimes, it is due to unsuitable medication.

Causes:

Torticollis is of two types:

1. Inherited: Because of changes in the genes.
2. Acquired: Occurs when the nervous system or muscles are damaged.
3. If a condition occurs without a proper cause, then it is probably idiopathic Torticollis.
4. Torticollis is mostly common among children, but could occur during adulthood as well. If your child is born with it, it is probably because its head was placed in a wrong direction while growing inside your womb. If the neck muscles are injured or if the blood supply has stopped, it could lead to this condition too.

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Head tremor
• Swelling of neck muscles
• Stiffness felt in the neck muscles
• Very little motion of the head

Treatment (For Babies):

1. Stretching Exercises For Babies:

Stretching exercises are supposedly one of the best treatments you can use at home to prevent and control Torticollis. The best place would be a clean carpeted floor. When you are sitting on the floor, place your baby in your lap. She should be on her back with her knees nicely tucked.

2. Side Bending:

1. Hold your baby’s left shoulder using your right hand.
2. Now take your left hand and place it on the left side of her head.
3. Hold this position for 5 seconds approx. Repeat 5 times
4. Do this exercise thrice a day.

3. Position Your Child While She Plays:

Playing While She Is Lying On Her Side:

Place your child in such a way so that she can lie on her side. This will allow gravity to stretch your baby’s neck and bring her hands to the middle. This is also very important for feeding, for eye to eye coordination, and several other areas of a child’s development.

Playing On Her Stomach:

When your baby is awake, it is important that she is placed on her stomach. This will help in controlling head movements. When your baby is on her tummy and is lying on the floor, make sure you bring all her toys to the left so that her neck shifts towards that direction.

4. You Can Also Try The Following:

1. Hold toys so that your child has to look up most of the time.
2. When you are bottle feeding your kid, position the face to the left.
3. You may also position your child inside the crib, so that all activities conducted in the room encourage him to look left.

5. Hold Your Baby Up:

Another exercise you can try at home is holding your baby up and rocking her sideways. Do this a couple of times. Don’t overdo it. Also, remember to be gentle while doing so.

Exercises For Adults:

Adults could always go for graded neck exercises. Just like the name suggests, it is a step by step process that helps you attain proper head movement and posture.

Here are the steps you must employ in order to find recovery and quick relief from pain.

1. Move your head as much as you can each time you look towards a particular direction.
2. Once you have found your target spot, continue placing your head in that direction for an extended period.
3. If it is impossible for you to follow the steps discussed above, ask someone for help. Lie down on your back and ask your friend to move your head towards the direction you have chosen. Make sure they are not using too much force. You should practice this exercise with your friend every day. The direction should not change whatsoever.
4. Another posture you could try everyday is by sitting. Make sure your back is straight. Pull back your head into the neck. Do not move your shoulders. Tuck your chin backwards and down into the neck. This will minimize the grasp of your SCM muscles. Before you do this exercise, make sure you practice in front of the mirror. This will help you know whether you are doing it right. Repeat this exercise for as long as you can. Do it many times throughout the day.

Other Kinds Of Treatment:

1. Apply heat and traction towards the neck. Massage in order to find relief (1).
2. Stretching exercises and other neck braces will also help in reducing spasms among adults.
3. Adults should also try to take a couple of medications. They work most of the time.
4. If it gets too painful, you can also go for a surgery.

Points To Remember:

• Before you start any exercise with your child or with yourself or someone you know, kindly consult an experienced doctor. Speak to them about your concerns. It is important to have his permission before you start something.
• Do not continue with any exercise that feels uncomfortable.
• It is best to exercise under the supervision of someone who is well versed in these matters.

So, now that you know how to deal with Torticollis patients, we suggest you wait no further. Tell us how this post has helped you. Comment in the box below.

The post Torticollis- Causes, Symptoms And Exercises You Should Be Aware Of appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Naomi via STYLECRAZE