What's The Reason Behind A Tilted Neck In Children's?

It can be a bit startling to notice your child’s head tilting to one side, but torticollis (Latin for "twisted neck") is actually quite common in infants and children. Most cases are very treatable, usually requiring nothing more than some targeted stretching and repositioning.

​What Exactly Is It?
​Torticollis occurs when the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle—the large muscle running down the side of the neck—becomes tight, shortened, or thickened. This acts like a tight drawstring, pulling the head into a specific posture:
​The head tilts toward the affected muscle,
​The chin rotates away from the affected muscle...

While most cases of torticollis resolve with physical therapy, surgery is considered a "last resort" if the condition hasn't improved after 6 to 12 months of consistent stretching, or if the child is older (usually over age one) and still has a significant head tilt.
​The goal of the surgery is to physically lengthen the shortened sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle to allow the head to return to a neutral position...

Common Surgical Procedures
​Surgeons typically use one of three main techniques depending on the severity and the child's age:
1.​Unipolar Release: The surgeon cuts the SCM muscle at its lower attachment point (near the collarbone).
2.​Bipolar Release: The muscle is cut at both the top (behind the ear) and the bottom (at the collarbone). This is often used for more severe cases.
​3.Z-Plasty (Muscle Lengthening): Instead of just cutting the muscle, the surgeon cuts it in a "Z" shape and sews it back together in a way that makes the muscle longer. This preserves more of the muscle's contour and strength..

Surgery has a very high success rate (often over 90%), but it isn't a "quick fix." The hard work of physical therapy continues for several months after the operation to ensure the head stays straight long-term..

(This Information Should Not Be Used As Medical Advise And You Must Consult An Orthopedic Surgeon)