The Truth About Torticollis:
Myths vs. Reality
Explained by Pediatric Physical Therapist
Dr. Stella Kandyba, PT, DPT
Torticollis may sound unfamiliar to new parents, but it’s actually a very common condition in babies—and one that is often dismissed or misunderstood. More and more babies are being diagnosed with torticollis. Years ago, it was rare (or 1 in 30), but now research shows that up to 16% of newborns (or 1 in 6) may have it. That’s a big jump—and it’s likely due to babies spending less time on their tummies and more time in gear like swings, car seats, and bouncers that limit their movement.
Let’s break down what it really means and why it matters.
What is torticollis?
Torticollis means “twisted neck.” In babies, it usually shows up as a head that tilts to one side and rotates to the opposite side. You might notice your baby always looking in the same direction, preferring to nurse on one side, or developing a flat spot on the back or side of the head.
It’s usually caused by tightness in a neck muscle (the sternocleidomastoid) that limits movement. Sometimes it’s due to positioning in the womb, and sometimes it happens after birth from how babies are held or placed.
Myth: “It’s just a phase—they’ll grow out of it.”
Reality: Torticollis does not usually go away on its own. Yes, babies grow and change quickly, but a tight neck muscle isn’t something that magically loosens up without intervention. Left untreated, even a mild case of torticollis can lead to much bigger problems down the road.
Why early treatment matters
Even a small tilt can affect your baby’s development in ways most parents (and even some doctors) don’t realize:
Disbalance and poor coordination
Delayed motor milestones (rolling, crawling, sitting, walking)
Asymmetrical movement patterns
Facial asymmetry and head shape changes (plagiocephaly)
Scoliosis risk
Visual and auditory challenges from the head always turning one direction
Speech and feeding issues, especially when tightness affects jaw and tongue movement
Myth: Torticollis is just a neck problem.
Reality: Torticollis is not always an isolated issue. Studies show it may be linked to other conditions—especially infant GERD (acid reflux). Babies with GERD often tilt or arch their heads in certain ways to relieve discomfort, which can lead to or worsen torticollis. A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found a significant association between congenital muscular torticollis and GERD, suggesting that reflux can influence head positioning and muscle imbalance (Source: Front Pediatr. 2018;6:43. doi:10.3389/fped.2018.00043).
Myth: “Just do baby massages to fix torticollis.”
Reality: While gentle massages can help relax your baby’s muscles, they aren’t enough on their own to treat torticollis. Proper stretches, positioning, and guided movement from pediatric therapists are often needed to help your baby fully recover and develop evenly.
Myth: “My pediatrician said it’s fine.”
Reality: Most pediatricians are wonderful, caring doctors—but they are not child development specialists. In fact, only about 15% of pediatricians are trained as developmental pediatricians. That means the vast majority may miss the subtle signs or downplay concerns about motor delays and asymmetries.
Torticollis often looks “mild” to someone not trained to evaluate movement, alignment, and early milestones in depth.
So who is the expert in torticollis and early development?
Pediatric physical therapists (PTs)
Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs)
Pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) (especially for feeding and oral-motor issues)
Developmental pediatricians
These are the professionals who study movement, posture, muscle tone, and motor planning in babies every single day. We know how to spot torticollis early—and how to treat it before it becomes a lifelong issue.
The good news? It’s treatable!
With the right therapy and home exercises, torticollis can often be corrected quickly and effectively—especially if caught early. Babies’ brains and bodies are incredibly responsive. The earlier we begin, the better the outcome.
BOTTOM LINE: Do NOT ignore torticollis, even if it seems minor. DO talk to a pediatric physical or occupational therapist and start early treatment to protect your child’s development.
