OBJECTIVE: To present a case of congenital muscular torticollis and discuss the clinical manifestations and chiropractic treatment.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 7-month-old male infant with significant head tilt since birth was brought to a chiropractic physician for evaluation. The infant's history included ear infections, facial asymmetry and regurgitation. Significant spasm of the left sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, a left lateral atlas and suboccipital joint dysfunctions were present upon examination. A diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis was made.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Treatments included chiropractic manipulation, trigger point therapy, specific stretches, pillow positioning and exercises. Excellent results were obtained.

CONCLUSION: Suggests that chiropractic intervention is a viable treatment option for congenital muscular torticollis. Further studies should be performed to compare the effectiveness of other treatment options.

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Article only available in print.