Torticollis (or twisted neck) is when one side of the neck feels tight and is painful to move. It happens when an injury or irritation makes the neck muscles spasm (tighten). In torticollis, the head tilts to one side and the chin to the other side. Symptoms usually improve within a few days with rest and home care.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for:

• Giving your child ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand) or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®, or a store brand) as recommended by your healthcare provider. Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.
• Giving any prescribed medicines such as a muscle relaxer.
• Having your child wear a soft or hard collar neck brace, if needed.
• When you should follow up with your child. It's important that your healthcare provider makes sure the torticollis got better.

Other instructions:

• Your child can continue their usual activities as long as they don't cause pain.
• Put a warm cloth or heating pad wrapped in a towel to the painful side of the neck for 20 minutes every 3–4 hours until the pain is better.

Your child:

• Gets new symptoms such as a fever or a headache
• Has neck pain when not moving the neck

What causes torticollis? Torticollis in kids usually happens after an injury, throat infection, or cold, or after sleeping in an awkward position. Less often it can be from an injury to the spine, a serious infection in the back of the throat, or other medical conditions.

Are tests done to diagnose torticollis? Tests usually aren't needed to diagnose torticollis. The healthcare provider diagnoses it by asking questions, finding out what happened, and doing an exam.

Can torticollis happen again? Yes, torticollis can happen again. Call your healthcare provider anytime your child has symptoms of torticollis.