Torticollis refers to the neck in a twisted or bent position due to imbalance of neck muscles and leads to involuntary contractions of the neck muscle refers to presentation of the neck in a twisted or bent position due to non-symmetry of neck muscles leading to involuntary contractions of the neck muscle.

This condition affects the neck muscles which become tender and soft. The neck gradually begins to bend to one side. Family history of the condition increases the chances of suffering from the condition. In such cases, the condition may gradually start and begin to bend the neck to one side during the middle age. It is medically termed as spasmodic torticollis and this twist in the neck manifests as spasms.

Timely treatment is extremely crucial, lest the condition becomes permanent. Torticollis can also develop due to injury or in some cases as a side-effect to certain medications.

The exact cause for Torticollis is Idiopathic (not known), however it is most commonly seen in first born children. Some of the most prominent pre-disposing factors for Torticollis include :

Congenital Causes :
Abnormal position of the head and neck of the baby, while in mother` s uterus.
Birth injury causing damage to neck muscles, bones and nerves.
Inadequate blood supply to the baby` s neck, while in mother` s uterus.
Due to inheritance of a defective gene.

Acquired Causes :
Neck Injury / head trauma
Neck sprain
Tumor in the neck
Severe neck burns
Vigorous neck movement
Bad neck posture
Use of certain antipsychotic drugs, or neuroleptics