WRYNECK (TORTICOLLIS) IN INFANTS - WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO ELIMINATE IT
Infant wryneck – this is common defect in which there is underdevelopment or damage of the Sternocleidomastoid muscle. (SCM).
The name itself talks about the nature of the pathology, which lies in deformation of the neck and the setting of incorrect head position.
It can occur as a result of muscle hypertone, incorrect position of the head of the fetus during fetal development, neck compression by the umbilical cord, which caused worse blood circulation in the muscle, injury of the neck muscles during childbirth, developmental abnormalities of the cervical vertebrae, which is fortunately rare, and other pathological processes.
Herewith, the SCM muscle is shortened, which leads to a constant tilt of the head of the newborn to the affected side and a turn to the opposite. In cases of severe wryneck, asymmetry of the face, skull and shoulder girdle is often observed: the scapula, shoulder and clavicle are located higher on the affected side.
Usually, explicit flaws are visible immediately after birth. But if the defect is small, it may go unnoticed for some time. Thus, always pay attention to whether the kid is holding its head straight, and whether it causes any discomfort. Does it raise only one shoulder? Notice how it pulls or lifts the hands: both hands equally or preference is given to one side only? A head constantly bound to the side and head rotation in one direction only, compaction in the area of the damaged muscle – all these could be signs of wryneck.Untreated disease is fraught with serious complications:
• Development of spinal deformity: scoliosis or kyphosis
• Potential of early emergence of osteochondrosis
• Wryneck often provokes ENT diseases and diseases of the eyes
• May be accompanied by headaches, fatigue and irritability
Treatment and rehabilitation procedures begin immediately after an accurate diagnosis. Therapeutic massage and gymnastics are used.
It is important that the baby’s body is placed symmetrically on the bed, straight with respect to the head. Toddler should often be laid on its side. If the baby is sleeping on the side of the wryneck, a high pillow shall be placed under its head; if it lies on the healthy side, the pillow is not to be used at all. It is recommended to move the baby often, to approach its bed not from one side, but from different sides. Yet the light, toys, communication with adults should be from the side of the affected muscle.
The layout and turns from back to stomach are usually made on the healthy side, but it can also be done on the wryneck side.
Simultaneously, 12-15 procedures of massage course are conducted. After 2-3 such courses in most cases a positive result is likely to be achieved, however parents must be notified of the possibility of recurrence, as a lag of muscle growth is possible on the affected side. Therefore, it is recommended, upon achievement of a positive result, to repeat 2 prophylactic courses in the following year.