It’s not uncommon for parents to notice that their baby prefers turning and holding their head one specific way. While this may seem minor at first, it could be a sign of torticollis, a condition that can affect your baby’s comfort, development, and head shape.
The good news is that with gentle, specialized chiropractic adjustments and cranial work we can help address the root cause and support your baby’s growth and well being.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where tight or imbalanced neck muscles cause a baby’s head to tilt and rotate to one side. The sternocleidomastoid, or the SCM, is the most commonly affected muscle which causes the baby’s head to twist and tilt to one side.
There are two main types:
- Congenital torticollis: Present at birth
- Acquired torticollis: Develops after birth
Signs parents may notice early on include:
- A persistent head tilt
- Difficulty breastfeeding on one side
- Limited range of motion
- Colic or irritability
- Difficulty with tummy time
Without treatment, torticollis can lead to more complex issues as your baby develops.
What Causes Torticollis?
In many cases, nerve stress, especially on the spinal accessory nerve, contributes to the muscle shortening and imbalance seen in torticollis.
There are several contributing factors, including:
- Baby’s position in utero, especially if there are twins or baby is breech
- Birth trauma, such as long labor or the use of vacuum/forceps during delivery
- Neuromuscular imbalances or underlying tension patterns
As chiropractors, our goal is to reduce stress on the nerves that supply the muscles of the neck to allow the muscles to relax and function as they are meant to.
How Torticollis Affects Head Development
When a baby is unable to turn their head freely, they tend to rest it in one position which leads to uneven pressure on the skull. Over time, this can cause:
- Plagiocephaly: Flattening on one side of the head
- Brachycephaly: Flattening across the back of the head, creating a wider, shorter skull shape
- Asymmetrical development of facial bones, jaw alignment, and eye position
Restricted head movement can also interfere with visual tracking, rolling, and other early motor milestones and development.
The Role of Dural Tension
What is the dura mater?
The dural sheath is a protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, stretching from the base of the skull down to the sacrum. It holds the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF, which is vital for healthy brain and nervous system function.
Because the dura attaches to both the occiput (back of the head) and sacrum (tailbone), any restriction in these areas can create tension along the entire spine.
Signs of dural tension in babies may include:
- Arching of the back
- Rigidity or stiffness
- General discomfort or restlessness
Torticollis and birth strain often contribute to increased dural tension, which may affect posture, motor development, and overall nervous system regulation.
How Chiropractic and Cranial Work Can Help
Chiropractic care for babies is gentle, specific, and effective. Here’s what we do and how it can help:
- Chiropractic adjustments support motion in the neck and spine, reduce nerve stress, and help reduce muscle imbalance. By removing any subluxations in the spine, we can also reduce the strain on the spinal accessory nerve that contributes to torticollis.
- Cranial work, such as craniosacral therapy, helps guide the natural movement of the cranial bones and reduces tension in the dura and surrounding fascia. This can positively influence head shape and help relieve discomfort and dural tension.
What to Expect During a Visit
A typical pediatric chiropractic visit is:
- Baby-centered and adapted to your child’s development and needs
- Gentle and non-invasive, using sustained light pressure and stretching
- Collaborative, with guidance on positioning, stretches, and home care for parents
Our goal is always to empower you as a parent while helping your baby feel and function their best!
Final Thoughts
Early detection and care are key. If you notice signs of torticollis or uneven head shape, don’t wait to make an appointment or get in touch! Gentle chiropractic and cranial support can make a big difference in your baby’s development and comfort.
With the right support, most babies respond very well to care and go on to thrive!