Re: NANCY- Repositioning causing tort?

[Guest guest]

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My son was dx with tort at 2 months. I joined the group torticolliskids , and learned so much from them and the varying degrees of tort. From what I have learned, there is also a form of torticollis that can actually switch sides- it is very rare- but I do recall a few moms having this problem. I cannot remember the name, but I guarantee if you talk with Lori W. or Dee from that group, they can reference it for you. I believe that type of tort also has parents that started their very own web site and group- so its worth checking into.

Also, some children with tort do not necessarily have a tilt. It's interesting that some parents are told that the child has tight neck muscles, but it is not a dx of tort. Could this be the case? That both sides of the neck are just tight? Your repositioning will not be a cause of tort. Even if this is the form that switches from side to side, you have to lay your child down sometime, so I would think that your best bet is to alternate off of the flat spot as much as possible so it won't progress. You do need to talk with a nuerologist/ ped or a physical therapist for an accurate dx and you will want to work on this now, as they are forming posture at this young age.

Many children that are untreated for tort develop upper scoliosis, because it is the spine's job to protect the brain stem- if the brain (or head in general) is tilted, the spine will shift to accommodate the posture of the head. Also, they tend to get a "c" posture, where they pull up their shoulder and even hip on the side of the tort, which also causes spine problems. Tort can also cause facial asymmetry, because the muscle is so tight it can pull everything to meet it (cheek, eye lid, ear down-----rib cage, shoulder, hip, up to meet it). You can order a book by Karmel Ross called "Torticollis: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment" online by and Noble. Or request it from your local library and they will have to get it-FREE. None of this may apply to your child, but it's important to know the possibilities so that you can be aware and informed and figure out what applies and what doesn't.

With Preston being 5 months, this is perfect timing to start with therapy now, not only to head off scoliosis, but to be able to work on a child at a younger age is much easier than at an older stage when they are too mobile! Let your husband know that time is of the essence, the sooner you begin, the better results you will have. We did both, the helmet (DOC band) and therapy for tort. Our repositioning efforts failed as it was a constant process that we could not always control (i.e. daycare). The pt lasted about 8 months (' tort was considered severe) and the DOC band 3 (considered mild/moderate). We couldn't be happier with the results and the hard work was definetly worth every minute!

Definitely check into the tort group, they will be so helpful with all of your questions, and you will probably find someone that has a very similar situation and discuss what they have done. I hope I was able to help, if not direct you to someone who can! Please keep us posted and good luck!

' Mom