Chiropractic Care for Torticollis & Plagiocephaly | Gentle Alternative Therapy
Plagiocephaly (flattening of one part of the skull) and torticollis (a twisted or tilted neck position) are common issues that can affect infants in their early months of life. These conditions often stem from birth positioning, tight muscles, or positioning habits post-birth, like spending extended periods lying in one position. Many parents worry about these diagnoses and seek effective treatments. While helmet therapy 🪖 is frequently recommended for plagiocephaly, more parents are exploring chiropractic care as a non-invasive, gentle approach for treating both torticollis and plagiocephaly.
Here’s what you need to know about chiropractic care as an alternative to helmet therapy, including why some parents prefer it and what the potential downsides of helmet therapy can be.
Understanding Torticollis and Plagiocephaly in Infants 🍼
Torticollis 🪫 is typically caused by tight or shortened muscles on one side of the neck, leading to a tilt or rotation of the head. This can make it difficult for babies to turn their heads freely in both directions, affecting muscle development and symmetry. In addition, it can limit or prevent altogether nursing on one side for the infant.
Plagiocephaly 🛌, commonly known as "flat head syndrome," occurs when one area of a baby’s head flattens due to external pressure. This is often a secondary effect of torticollis since babies with limited neck movement may favor one side, leading to continuous pressure on one side of the head. This can also lead to colic and/or chronic middle ear fluid.
Chiropractic care and other manual therapies target these underlying muscular and skeletal asymmetries to help release muscle tightness, encourage natural head movement, and allow the skull to round out over time naturally. As this occurs it can also help improve colic, nursing difficulties, and or chronic middle ear fluid.🌱
How Chiropractic Care Works for Torticollis and Plagiocephaly 👐
Chiropractic treatment for infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly focuses on gentle adjustments, stretches, and exercises to address muscle tension and restricted movement in the neck and upper spine. Infant chiropractic adjustments are extremely gentle and specifically tailored to babies’ developing bodies.
Here’s how it may help:
Gentle Mobilization 🌈: Chiropractors use light, manual adjustments to relieve tension in the neck muscles and restore full range of motion. These adjustments help babies freely turn their heads in both directions.
Cranial and Spinal Alignment 🔄: Chiropractic care can also help with cranial and spinal alignment, which is essential for proper head shape development. This alignment approach is particularly helpful for plagiocephaly by relieving any subtle pressure on the head. This can be done with carniosacral light touch therapy to the head or gentle spinal adjusments to the spine.
Muscle Stretching and Guidance 🧘♂️: Many chiropractors provide parents with exercises to stretch their baby’s neck muscles gently. This home care reinforces progress and can speed up recovery from torticollis.
Natural Growth and Shape Correction 🌿: Chiropractic treatment promotes the body’s natural alignment, encouraging a balanced head shape through normal movement and positioning. The benefits of this approach are cumulative and typically seen over several weeks of care.
Downsides of Helmet Therapy 🪖
While helmet therapy is a popular option, there are several factors parents should consider before choosing it:
Discomfort and Restricted Movement 🥵: Babies must wear helmets for up to 23 hours a day for several months. This can be uncomfortable, particularly in warm weather, as it may cause sweating, skin irritation, or even heat rashes. Wearing a helmet also restricts the baby's natural head movements, potentially slowing down motor skill development.
Limited Results for Mild to Moderate Cases 🤔: Helmet therapy can be effective for severe cases, but research suggests that mild to moderate cases of plagiocephaly can improve equally well without a helmet. In such cases, chiropractic care may be sufficient to resolve the issue without additional intervention.
Emotional Stress for Parents and Babies 😔👶: Helmets are an obvious, external solution, which can sometimes draw attention or comments that make parents uncomfortable. Babies may also struggle with the helmet at first, potentially leading to fussiness or difficulty sleeping.
Cost and Accessibility 💰: Helmet therapy can be expensive and isn’t always covered by insurance. Depending on the area, finding a qualified clinic that provides helmet therapy can also be challenging. Chiropractic care may offer a cost-effective solution with fewer logistical hurdles.
Why Many Parents Opt for Chiropractic Care 🤲
For parents seeking a non-invasive, holistic approach, chiropractic treatment is an appealing option. Here’s why:
Natural Movement Restoration 🌟: Chiropractic treatment focuses on improving head and neck mobility, which helps encourage a symmetrical head shape without additional pressure from a helmet.
Whole-Body Support 🌼: Chiropractic care focuses on overall body alignment and can potentially help with other common baby issues like colic or sleep troubles, giving parents added benefits.
Gentle and Painless 🤗: With chiropractic care, there’s no added weight, restriction, or discomfort for the baby. The treatments are gentle and hands-on, prioritizing the baby’s comfort.
When to Seek Chiropractic Care for Your Baby 🚼
If your baby has been diagnosed with torticollis, plagiocephaly, or both, early intervention can help maximize results. A chiropractor specializing in pediatrics can guide you on the best course of action and work with your child’s pediatrician to ensure comprehensive care.
Chiropractic care isn’t necessarily a replacement for helmet therapy in every case, particularly for more severe plagiocephaly, but for many children with mild to moderate cases, it’s a natural and effective alternative. Always consult with your pediatrician or a healthcare professional to make an informed choice that best suits your baby’s needs.
Actionable Steps for Parents
If your baby shows signs of torticollis or plagiocephaly, here’s what you can do:
Schedule a Pediatric Chiropractic Evaluation
Early assessment is key to creating a customized care plan.
Incorporate At-Home Exercises
Learn stretches and positioning techniques from your chiropractor to reinforce their care plan.
Be Proactive About Positioning
Limit time in car seats or swings and encourage supervised tummy time to reduce pressure on the head.
Partner with Healthcare Providers
Work with your pediatrician and chiropractor for a well-rounded approach to your baby’s health.
Final Thoughts 💭
Chiropractic care for torticollis and plagiocephaly offers a gentle, non-invasive way to address neck stiffness and head shape issues in infants. By promoting balanced movement, alignment, and muscle relaxation, chiropractic treatment can serve as a safe, effective alternative to helmet therapy for many children. The journey to finding the best treatment for your baby’s unique needs can be challenging, but chiropractic care is a valuable option that allows parents to explore natural ways to support their child’s healthy development. 🌈✨
At Spine Pain & Performance Center, Dr. Ginsberg specializes in pediatric chiropractic care, with decades of experience treating infants and children. Their gentle techniques and personalized care plans ensure your baby receives the safest, most effective treatment possible.
With advanced training in pediatric care, our team is here to support your family through every step of your baby’s journey to wellness.
If you’re seeking a safe and effective solution for your baby’s needs, contact Spine Pain & Performance Center today to schedule a consultation.