Torticollis and babies
Torticollis is the medical term for a head tilt or difficulty in turning the neck. Most commonly this is due to a muscle on the side of the neck, known as the sternocleidomastoid, has become tight and shortened, hence the neck tilt. In newborns this can be caused by the baby's position in the womb, after a difficult child birth or sleeping posture. Torticollis may cause pain and stiffness, but the earlier it is recognised the easier it is to treat and heal/recover.
Chiropractic treatment is gentle, safe and effective for baby’s with torticollis. Some other recommendations include encouraging feeding on both sides and making sure your baby is getting tummy time every day.
Our FORM Chiropractor has some recommended home care exercises for you to try with your little one:
Begin in a tiger hold, place your baby’s head down on the tilted side. Gently stretch the affected side (tilted) away.
Begin in a football hold, move the shoulder up on the same side as the neck tilt.
Cuddle bub, whilst turning (rotating) the neck to the non preferred side.
There are a few types of torticollis, so it is recommended to get checked. SO if you notice any of the following, get in contact with your Edgewater Chiropractor Karli to get your baby checked.
Your baby's head is tilted.
Your baby is struggling to turn the head one or both ways.
Your baby is finding it hard to feed on one side in particular.
There is a flattening on one side of their head.
Your baby has symptoms of dysplasia of the hips.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in contact with our Chiropractors!
Bookings available online HERE
Alternatively, call / text us on 0497 358 214 or email us at formchiro@gmail.com
See you SOON at FORM Chiropractic; Suite 13, 1 The Gateway in Edgewater, 6027.
