Have you noticed that your baby often has his head tilted or twisted to one side? No matter what you try, they don't seem to want to look the other direction or will do it breifly and then return to their original position?
Torticollis, commonly known as "twisted neck," can affect infants and cause their heads to tilt to one side, with their chin directed toward the opposite shoulder. This condition can develop from various factors, such as prenatal positioning, muscle tightness, or even during delivery. Many parents today are exploring chiropractic care as a solution to help alleviate the challenges posed by torticollis.
Understanding Torticollis
Torticollis appears in two main forms: congenital and acquired. Congenital torticollis usually stems from tightness in the sternocleidomastoid muscle that connects the sternum, collarbone, and skull. This tightness can occur during fetal development or delivery. Acquired torticollis may develop later due to factors like muscle imbalances or neck injuries.
The impact of torticollis is not just physical; it can hinder a baby's ability to turn their head easily, which may obstruct crucial developmental milestones. For instance, research shows that infants with untreated torticollis may struggle with visual tracking, an essential skill for interacting with their environment.
If their head tilt/turn persists, parents will likely also begin to notice that their infant develops a flattening on the back of one side of the head. This is because the cranial bones are not fused together yet and due to the amount of time infants tend to spend lying down, the pressure on one side of the head will create shifting of these cranial bones.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is focused on diagnosing and addressing musculoskeletal issues through manual adjustments and soft tissue therapies. For infants afflicted with torticollis, gentle spinal and neck adjustments can help improve alignment, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance mobility. Pediatric chiropractors are specifically trained to treat younger patients, ensuring their techniques are safe and suitable for delicate bodies.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine noted that chiropractic management could significantly improve neck mobility, with a notable percentage of treated infants showing enhanced range of motion after just a few sessions. Therefore, it is critical for parents to seek qualified practitioners experienced in pediatric care.
Benefits of Infant Chiropractic Treatment
Improved Range of Motion: Parents have reported that chiropractic care helps ease muscle tension, which leads to better neck movement. This improvement is vital for milestones like visual tracking and reaching and being able to enjoy tummy time.
Pain Relief: Adjustments can alleviate discomfort associated with torticollis, enabling infants to explore their surroundings comfortably. Consider how you might feel if you wake up with a stiff neck after a poor night's sleep.
Enhanced Developmental Progress: With increased mobility, infants can participate in activities that promote motor skills and social interaction. For example, a child who can turn their head easily may have an easier time breastfeeding, enjoying tummy time and can engage more with caregivers, fostering social skills.
The safety of chiropractic care for infants is also a crucial consideration. Techniques are very gentle and tailored specifically to infants with very light pressure.
Parents can add to the benefits of chiropractic care with other supportive therapies, such as physiotherapy and specific at-home exercises, to maximize benefits for their infants.
When to Seek Help
Monitoring for signs of torticollis is essential for parents. This includes observing if the baby has difficulty turning their head to one side or exhibits a noticeable head tilt. Early intervention plays a crucial role in avoiding long-term complications.
If you notice any symptoms indicative of torticollis, find a trained pediatric chiropractor that you can trust. A combined approach with healthcare professionals ensures your child receives comprehensive treatment tailored to their needs.
Focused On Your Child's Well-Being
Torticollis is a manageable condition that can greatly benefit from infant chiropractic care. With the right treatment and support, many infants can overcome the limitations of torticollis and experience improved movement and comfort. It is essential for parents considering chiropractic options to ensure their practitioner specializes in pediatric care. By taking early action and exploring holistic approaches, families can set their infants on a path to healthy development and emotional wellness.
What our patients have to say;
Dr Wise is wonderful. I came to her with my 3 month old daughter for torticollis and after just one visit with her, my daughter’s neck had already straightened. She not only helped with the issue at hand, she also eased my mind on other concerns by working on her and also explaining things to me. We will definitely keep seeing her for all our needs. Thank you Dr. Wise. -S.D.
We love Dr. Wise! She treated our 4-month-old son, who would rest his neck in a very crooked position. It wasn’t normal posture, and my wife and I were worried it could do some kind of lasting muscle damage. Dr. Wise immediately knew how to treat it, and within 3 visits, our son’s posture was completely fine. He’s a few months older now, and his neck is nice and strong. Jennifer was super good with him, and it really helped my wife and I that she could clearly walk us through the treatments. Highly recommended! -M.B.
For more information about how Dr. Wise may be able to help you, please feel free to reach out directly at drwise@thrivehealth.ca for a more individualized answer to your questions regarding this topic.
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