Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Rotation and tilting of the head to the affected side
• Enlargement of neck muscles, possibly present at birth
• Stiffness of neck muscles
• Painful spasms of neck and upper back muscles
• Limited range of motion of the head and neck
• Headache

Muscles of the Neck

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Torticollis ranges from mild to severe. It usually progresses slowly for 1-5 years, and then plateaus. However, torticollis may persist for life and can result in limited movement and deformed posture.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

• X-rays of the neck—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
• CT scan of the neck—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
• MRI scan of the neck—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body