Soon after the birth, some parents notice that their new baby prefers to turn and/or tilt their head to one side, often when sleeping. This is not uncommon and can be caused by the infant’s position in utero or during their birth journey into the world. If the neck tension is not resolved, the pressure on the back of the baby’s head while lying down can cause a flattening of the infant’s cranium. This can lead to issues such as problems with breastfeeding, rolling and crawling .Pediatric chiropractic care is an effective and gentle type of treatment for managing infant torticollis and the prevention of cranial flattening and need for a helmet.
Understanding Infant Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT): CMT is characterized by the shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, leading to a tilted head posture. This condition can result in limited neck mobility and, if untreated, may contribute to cranial asymmetry (plagiocephaly) and developmental delays.
Plagiocephaly: This refers to the flattening of one part of an infant’s skull, often resulting from sustained pressure on one area. It can be associated with torticollis, as limited neck movement may cause infants to rest their heads in the same position.
Chiropractic care for infants involves gentle, low-force techniques aimed at improving neuromusculoskeletal function:
- Spinal and Cranial Adjustments: Gentle adjustments to address misalignments
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques targeting muscle relaxation and flexibility
- Parental Guidance: Educating caregivers on exercises and positioning strategies
These methods aim to improve neck mobility, reduce muscular tension, and promote symmetrical development. Unique to chiropractic and different from physiotherapy and other modalities, chiropractic minimizes the irritation of the corresponding spinal nerves in the neck from the cervical spinal tension to allow the muscles of the neck to relax, balance and move properly. Exercises help but if the spinal irritation is not removed, the neck muscles may continue to stay tight. Using more than one type of treatment, such as chiropractic with physiotherapy, can offer a synergistic effect and a faster resolution.
Reducing the cervical spine tension help with torticollis and also supports the nerves innervating, or going to, the tongue, mouth and jaw for a more efficient latch for feedings. If an infant has a tongue and/or lip tie, chiropractic can help to optimize the jaw function and mobility to help the infant adapt. Chiropractic care may also help prior to a frenectomy (release of the tongue/lip tie) and support the healing and recovery following the procedure.
If the baby’s neck tension is not resolved, a flattening of his or her head may occur due to the need to have the infant sleep on their back to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The baby’s neck is still developing and they do not have adequate control until 3 months of age. Tummy time and using a carrier during the day also helps in the prevention of plagiocephaly and increases the strength of their neck. It is also helpful to encourage your baby to turn and look in the direction they do not prefer through play, positioning and sleep. Parents can also perform daily exercises to help train their baby’s motor patterns and encourage neck balance and alignment. Infants may be assessed between 4 and 6 months for the need of a helmet to balance the cranial bones so it is important to work on the torticollis as soon as it is detected to avoid the need for a helmet which may have to be worn 24/7 for several months.
Here are a few studies:
- A case study described the chiropractic care of a 6-week-old infant with CMT and plagiocephaly. The treatment included spinal adjustments and cranial therapy, resulting in improved neck range of motion and head shape over six visits. vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
- Another report detailed the management of an 8-month-old with torticollis and plagiocephaly. After two chiropractic adjustments, the infant showed complete resolution of symptoms. vertebralsubluxationresearch.com+1PMC+1
Chiropractic treatment for infant torticollis and plagiocephaly has benefits in improving neck mobility and cranial symmetry. Check to see if your baby has a preference and if so, there is help for it.
References:
- Williams S, Alcantara J. Improvement in Congenital Torticollis, Plagiocephaly & Breastfeeding Issues in an Infant Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. J Pediatr Matern Fam Health Chiropr. 2014;2014(4):87-94. livingvitallife.com+4vertebralsubluxationresearch.com+4Chiro+4
- Ellwood J, Draper-Rodi J, Carnes D. The effectiveness and safety of conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis: a synthesis of systematic reviews and guidance. Chiropr Man Therap. 2020;28(1):31. BioMed Central
- Carnes D, et al. Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in the treatment of infants, children and adolescents: a systematic scoping review. BMC Pediatr. 2022;22(1):1-16. BioMed Central