Torticollis is a condition in which a person has a twisted neck. The head appears to be tilted towards one side and at the same time, the chin is elevated on the other side. Thus, it gives a deformed look to the face.

In most of the cases, genetic factors are responsible for the occurrence of Torticollis. In such cases, the patient endures twisted neck right from the birth. Torticollis basically, is shortening or contraction of sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is present in the neck. This shortening pulls the neck on one side and the chin on the other. However, genetics is not the only factor, which is responsible for it; it may also develop at any stage of life due to damage to sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Torticollis causes problems with rotation of the neck, or moving the jaw, etc. In addition to this, the patient also feels a mental setback. This is because the twisted neck of the patient presents a deformed and abnormal look to the face. Because of this, the patient will want to correct it.

However, treatment is not so easy.  Surgery is the only method available for correcting Torticollis. The surgery will involve changing i.e. modifying the neck so that it appears normal. Thus, alterations of the bones and muscles will be required. The complexity of the surgery will depend upon the case. As the neck consists of important parts, the surgery may be risky and so the patient should do proper assessment before opting for it.

During the assessment, the patient should consider whether the problems caused by Torticollis are grave or mild. He should think whether it is really required to do the surgery.  In addition, he should consider how complex his case is, and how risky the surgery for its cure will be. He should not opt for the surgery when it is not very crucial, or it is very risky.

Apart from this, the surgery for Torticollis will be expensive. This is because the surgery is a major surgery and in most of the cases quite complex. Therefore, the price too will play very important role in the self-assessment. He should consider whether he would be able to afford it or not.

The doctors too, will help and advice the patient for the assessment of the surgery. Therefore, a thorough discussion with the doctor also is an important part of the self-assessment for Torticollis.