Types of torticollis

Temporary torticollis

This type of wry neck usually disappears after one or two days. It can be due to:

Fixed torticollis

Fixed torticollis is also called acute torticollis or permanent torticollis. It’s usually due to a problem with the muscular or bone structure.

Muscular torticollis

This is the most common type of fixed torticollis. It results from scarring or tight muscles on one side of the neck.

Klippel-Feil syndrome

This is a rare, congenital form of wry neck. It occurs when the bones in your baby’s neck form incorrectly, notably due to two neck vertebrae being fused together. Children born with this condition may have difficulty with hearing and vision.

Cervical dystonia

This rare disorder is sometimes referred to as spasmodic torticollis. It causes neck muscles to contract in spasms. If you have cervical dystonia, your head twists or turns painfully to one side. It may also tilt forward or backward. Cervical dystonia sometimes goes away without treatment, but there’s a risk of recurrence.

Cervical dystonia can happen to anyone. However, it’s most commonly diagnosed in people who are roughly ages 40 to 60. It also affects more women than men.