As a parent, when you’re told your baby has something called torticollis, it can often leave you feeling helpless and unsure where to turn. As pediatric chiropractors specializing in infant care, we empathize with the challenges and uncertainties that come with a torticollis diagnosis. In this blog, we aim to empower parents with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate this journey successfully.
Nathan’s Story
Let's dive deep into the journey of Nathan, a resilient little guy whose early life was marked by the impact of torticollis. Traditional treatments fell short, leaving his mom, like many others, desperate for a solution. It was during a late-night research session that Nathan's mom discovered the transformative effects of chiropractic care specifically designed for pediatric cases.
The Rise of Torticollis and Birth Trauma
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in birth interventions, leading to an alarming increase in torticollis cases. Unfortunately, traditional medical approaches often lag behind in understanding the root causes and effective treatments. Birth trauma, a major contributor to torticollis, results from interventions like forceps delivery, vacuum extraction, and C-sections, subjecting the baby's delicate neck and head to undue strain. Try not to let your child's challenges go unnoticed.
Unresolved torticollis in your child can also increase their risk of ear infections. Tight muscles in the upper neck region affect the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid buildup and bacterial growth. This connection extends to respiratory issues, including croup, chronic cough, and RSV, as torticollis limits your baby’s body’s ability to drain fluid and move secretions.
Prioritizing your child’s torticollis care now is essential for a healthier, happier future.
Understanding Subluxation
At the heart of torticollis lies subluxation, a complex phenomenon with three primary components:
- 1. Misalignment and abnormal positioning: Subluxation found within the neurospinal system.
- 2. Fixation and reduced range of motion: Restriction in movement in the affected region.
- 3. Neurological interference: Imbalance caused by altered proprioception and increased nociception, impacting communication to the brain.
In simpler terms, the more severe the torticollis, the more pronounced these subluxation patterns become, which can affect your child's development, temperament, and overall well-being.
Why Pediatricians Might Miss Mild to Moderate Cases:
Pediatricians, while experienced at performing physical exams, may not possess the specialized training and experience required to detect subtle neuromuscular challenges such as torticollis.
Even when diagnosed, the traditional path of referral to physical therapy and helmets often falls short, with reported discomfort and limited effectiveness in many cases. They can even aggravate the condition because it would leave your child in a sustained state of fight or flight tension, something known as dysautonomia. Put simply, these methods do not get all the way to the root cause.
The Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Approach
Parents are increasingly turning to Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic for a more natural and effective approach - that gets right down to the root cause. Our three-step methodology involves:
- 1. Locating subluxations: Utilizing advanced tools like INSiGHT Scans for a detailed examination.
- 2. Safe neuro-tonal adjustments: Gently addressing tension/stress and correcting subluxations.
- 3. Monitoring and collaboration: Encouraging parents to remain vigilant during growth spurts, teething, illnesses, and other stressors.
In fact, if you put Pediatric Chiropractic as the foundation and first choice for your child’s torticollis, it then makes all the physical therapy stretches and positioning work easier and far more effective. As PX Docs, we love to work in conjunction with your child’s therapy team for maximum results!
The Role of INSiGHT Scans:
INSiGHT Scans offer a deeper understanding of the neuromuscular system, allowing us to identify stress and dysfunction within your child’s nervous system that may be overlooked by traditional methods. This sophisticated technology aids in crafting precise and tailored care plans.
Results often become evident within a few visits, but each child's journey is unique. Join us for a personalized care plan discussion during the Report of Findings visit to understand the duration and specifics of your child's care plan.
One month into Nathan’s care plan, his digestive issues and eczema cleared up. In month two, his mom saw a huge difference. His mobility improved drastically, he started hitting milestones, and said goodbye to ear infections!
If your mom or dad's “gut” is telling you there is more going on than your pediatrician or therapist can fully explain and address, then Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is perfect for you. We specialize in diving deeper and doing a more thorough assessment than anyone else out there, making sure we get to the true root cause of your child’s torticollis.
Don’t hesitate to reach out today to Pinnacle Chiropractic to schedule your initial consultation for INSiGHT Scans. As you navigate the path to healing for your child, remember you are not alone. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Together, let’s ensure your child experiences the joy of unhindered development and well-being as they grow. If you are not local to us, be sure to check out the PX Docs directory to find a local office near you!
