Torticollis & Plagiocephaly: Why Early Chiropractic Care Makes a Difference
As a parent, you notice every little detail about your baby—how they move, how they sleep, and even how they hold their head. If your baby tends to tilt their head to one side, struggles to turn their head, or has a flat spot developing on their skull, you may be dealing with torticollis and plagiocephaly. These infant conditions can affect your baby’s comfort, feeding, and overall development.
The good news? Early intervention is key, and chiropractic care is one of the safest, most effective ways to help.
What Causes Torticollis in Babies?
Torticollis (often called "wry neck") occurs when a baby’s neck muscles tighten or shorten, making it difficult for them to turn their head properly. It’s often due to:
- Positioning in the womb (especially in breech or cramped positions)
- Birth trauma (such as a long labor, forceps/vacuum delivery, or c-section)
- Muscle tension or misalignments in the upper cervical spine
When a baby has torticollis, they may naturally favor one side, leading to plagiocephaly (a flat spot on the head) due to prolonged pressure in one area.
How Torticollis Impacts Development
Torticollis and plagiocephaly aren’t just cosmetic concerns—they can impact your baby’s developmental milestones in many ways, including:
✔️ Delayed Motor Skills – Limited head movement affects rolling, crawling, and coordination.
✔️ Feeding Difficulties – Babies with torticollis often struggle with latching, favor one breast during breastfeeding, or have trouble turning their head to bottle feed.
✔️ Head Shape Changes – Flat spots can become more pronounced if not addressed early.
✔️ Vision & Balance Issues – Over time, a head tilt can affect visual tracking and equilibrium.
Why Chiropractic is a Safe & Natural Solution
At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we specialize in gentle, nervous system-based infant chiropractic care that helps correct torticollis and prevent long-term challenges. Unlike traditional treatment methods that focus solely on stretching tight muscles, we address the root cause—the nervous system.
🔹 Gentle Adjustments – We use soft, precise techniques to release tension in the neck and upper spine, allowing for full head movement.
🔹 Improved Nervous System Function – When the nervous system is balanced, muscles can relax, movement improves, and feeding becomes easier.
🔹 Whole-Body Wellness – Chiropractic supports your baby’s immune system, digestion, and overall comfort—helping them thrive!
Our doctors are Webster Certified and trained in pediatric chiropractic by the ICPA and PXDocs, ensuring your baby gets the safest, most specialized care possible.
How Parents Can Help at Home
In addition to nervous system based chiropractic care, here are a few ways to support your baby’s progress at home:
✔️ Encourage Tummy Time – Place your baby on their belly throughout the day to strengthen their neck muscles.
✔️ Switch Sides When Holding & Feeding – Help them turn their head both ways by alternating positions during feeding and carrying.
✔️ Use Toys for Gentle Encouragement – Place interesting toys on their non-preferred side to encourage natural movement.
✔️ Avoid Excessive Time in Car Seats & Swings – Too much time in restrictive devices can worsen plagiocephaly.
Let’s Get Your Baby Scanned!
If your baby has a persistent head tilt, difficulty feeding, or a developing flat spot, early chiropractic care can make all the difference. Our gentle, specialized approach at Pinnacle Chiropractic can help your baby move, grow, and develop with ease. Our non-invasive INSiGHT scans can show areas of inflammation and stress in your baby's neurological system that need to be addressed.
One of our Patient Care Coordinators can help you schedule your visit. Let’s get your baby started on their journey to better movement, comfort, and overall wellness. Call us at 941.822.8828. We can’t wait to help you on this journey.
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