How Do You Spell TORTICOLLIS?

Pronunciation: [tˈɔːtɪkˌɒliz] (IPA)

Torticollis is a condition characterized by the spasm of the neck muscles resulting in the head being tilted to one side. The spelling of torticollis comes from two Latin roots, "torti" meaning "twisted" and "collis" meaning "neck". The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌtɔr.tɪˈkɒl.ɪs/. The first syllable "tor" is pronounced like "tore", and the second syllable "ti" is pronounced like "tea". The stress falls on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a shorter ‘o’ sound (like in ‘hot’) and a longer ‘i’ sound (like in ‘ice’).

TORTICOLLIS Meaning and Definition

1. Torticollis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal positioning or stiffness of the neck muscles, resulting in a twisted or tilted position of the head. It is also known as wry neck or loxia.

   Torticollis can occur due to various factors, including congenital muscle imbalances, muscle spasms, nerve damage, or injury. In some cases, the cause may not be identifiable. The condition can affect individuals of all ages, from infants to adults.

   Symptoms of torticollis include neck pain, difficulty in moving the head, and an involuntary tendency to tilt the head to one side. In severe cases, the head may be completely rotated and fixed in one position. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause.

   Treatment for torticollis typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, medication for pain management, and sometimes surgery. Physical therapy aims to stretch and strengthen the affected muscles, improve mobility, and correct any postural imbalances. Medications such as muscle relaxants or pain relievers may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and reduce muscle spasms. In certain cases, surgical intervention may be required to release or realign the tightened muscles or correct any structural abnormalities.

   Early intervention is crucial in managing torticollis, as delayed treatment can lead to chronic pain, muscle contractures, and long-term postural abnormalities. With proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals with torticollis can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and regain normal neck function.

2. Wry-neck, stiff-neck, caputobstipum, a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the neck, chiefly those supplied by the spinal accessory nerve; the head is drawn to one side and usually rotated so that the chin points to the other side.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TORTICOLLIS

• rorticollis
• forticollis
• gorticollis
• yorticollis
• 6orticollis
• 5orticollis
• tirticollis
• tkrticollis
• tlrticollis
• tprticollis
• t0rticollis
• t9rticollis
• toeticollis
• todticollis
• tofticollis
• totticollis
• to5ticollis
• to4ticollis
• torricollis

Etymology of TORTICOLLIS

The word "torticollis" originated from the Latin language. It is derived from two Latin words:

1. "tortus" meaning "twisted" or "bent".

2. "collum" meaning "neck".

When combined, these words form "torticollis", which directly translates to "twisted neck". It accurately describes the condition characterized by the involuntary contraction or spasm of neck muscles, causing the head to be tilted to one side.

Plural form of TORTICOLLIS is TORTICOLLIS