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Torticollis Common
August 21, 2007
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According to the American Orthopedic Society one in every 60 births results in a
condition called torticollis or wryneck.
Baby Caroline Perry was born with a muscular condition known as torticollis. This
is when newborns muscles don’t completely develop on one side of the neck. As a
result the bodyline becomes unbalanced.
Jacqueline Van Duijn Physical Therapist says “The tilt was very severe she was almost
touching her ear to her shoulder. The shoulder was coming up and the ear was coming
down so that’s how she started.”
The cause of torticollis is usually associated with birth trauma or the position
of the baby in the uterus. If caught early enough 95% of cases can be corrected.
Mom Katherine Perry says she was concerned but knew that after the x-ray it could
be fixed.
Oddly enough Caroline has a twin sister (Meredith) who was born without the condition
but her sister sticks by her side as Caroline continues to improve with physical
therapy. “The Torticollis held her back so much, but now that she has that strength
she sits up in her highchair and every day I see something new, it’s amazing,” says
Caroline’s mom.
“So that’s
what we have to promote with physical therapy to make sure they follow
the right steps to get stronger and developmentally improve as well,” exclaims Dr.
Van Duijn.
Physical therapists use stretching techniques and something called tummy time. This
helps babies hold their head on their own to activate those weaker muscles. Doctors
say that routine checkups after pregnancy will help catch torticollis but
if after
the baby reaches 7 months its hard to break their natural habit and can also lead
to hip problems.
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