Torticollis (aka wry neck, loxia, from Latin "tortus" meaning "twisted", and "collum" meaning "neck") is a dystonic condition involving an abnormal, asymmetrical head/neck position.

Torticollis can either be one of the following, or a combination of them:

• Laterocollis, is where the head is tipped toward the shoulder
• Rotational torticollis, is where the head rotates along the longitudinal axis
• Anterocollis, is forward flexion of the head/neck
• Retrocollis, is hyperextension of the head/neck backwards

• Congenital muscular torticollis, where birth trauma or intrauterine malposition can cause damage to the sternocleidomastoid muscle of the neck, resulting in shortening/excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, curtailing range of motion, causing the head to tilt in a lateral bend towards the affected muscle, and rotation towards the opposite side
• Acquired torticollis, which can result from scarring or disease of cervical vertirbae, adenitis, tonsillitis, rheumatism, enlarged cervical glands, retropharyngeal abscess, or cerebellar tumors