Torticollis

Earlier this month, the lady that keeps A&B while I work mentioned that A may have torticollis, or wry neck. Torticollis is a twisted neck in which the head is tipped to one side, while the chin is turned to the other. It can be inherited or caused by birth trauma to the long muscle that runs down the neck. It is typically resolved by physical therapy, or by wearing a specially fitted helmet around twenty three hours a day for a few months. If it doesn't resolve after those measures, then surgery may be recommended.

After looking back through pictures, I noticed that his head does kind of tilt to his left side. I took him to see our pediatrician who checked his range of motion and evaluated his head shape. He can turn his head to the right without any problems, but when he tries to go left his chin goes down towards his left shoulder. If that makes any sense. The back of his head is head is a little lop-sided, but it is getting better since he is sleeping on his stomach now.

Our pediatrician said that it is mild, and that it should work itself out since he is becoming more mobile. He didn't want to do a physical therapy referral at this time. He said that he would reevaluate at his six month checkup.

After some research, I have read that the sooner you catch it, the easier it is to treat. I have been trying to do some neck stretches a few times a day, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

Does anybody have any experience with this? Should I tell my pediatrician that I want him referred to a physical therapist anyway? I've pretty much learned over the last few years that you really have to be your own advocate.

I'm a little peeved at my pediatrician's on-call nurse anyway. Anderson spiked a fever of 102 earlier this month and I had to call them at night. The nurse basically determined that he had a little cold and was teething. She said that I didn't need to call back unless his fever reached 104. Mmmmmmk. The fever went away, but he was sooooooo fussy, wouldn't sleep/eat, and would let out wails all day and night. The fever came back and I noticed drainage coming from his ear, so I called and told them that I wanted him to be seen anyway. Turns out he has a double ear infection and one of his eardrums PERFORATED. Seriously?? Bless my sweet little baby's heart. I felt like a horrible mommy. That was something that could have easily been prevented.

Let it be known that from here on out, I will be taking him to get his ears checked every time his temperature gets over 100...not 104. Bump that. I don't care if I get on their nerves. Not to mention the fact that both Andy and my sister had febrile seizures when they were babies.

He is on antibiotics now and is doing MUCH better. I have my happy baby back:)

You can't really tell in this picture, but he can't really extend his neck and look to the left. His head kind of stays "cocked" like this. Will it work itself out? Any advice will be appreciated!