Infantile Torticollis in Sioux Falls

A child being checked by a chiropractor

Have you ever seen a baby developing a flat spot on their head?  Or maybe an infant that has their head tilted to one side or will refuse to turn to one direction or the other.  These could be signs of a condition that is called infantile torticollis or, “wryneck.”  Our Sioux Falls chiropractors are trained to work with patients of all ages, including infants, and have seen patients as young as 2 days old.  We have patients that ask us why a child may be developing a flat spot and if chiropractic care may be able to help.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Infantile Torticollis

After a child is born parents should pay attention to how their infant interacts with them when eating or being held.  If a child is nursing, their mom may notice that they struggle to eat when their head is in one direction or the other.  Also, when talking to or snuggling with a baby a parent should try to not always hold the baby, so their head is always facing the same direction.  If a parent notices that the baby won’t turn one direction it could be a sign of torticollis.  When the child is in a car seat or a crib they may always lean to or turn their head in the same direction.  If signs like these are not noticed it is possible that the child could develop a flat spot from the weight of their head always being in the same direction against their mattress or car seat.  Diagnosis of torticollis is usually made by evaluating the child’s range of motion and willingness to turn their head to both directions.  In some cases, imaging such as an x-ray may be used to check to see if there is a structural abnormality

Causes of Torticollis

Infantile torticollis can be caused by a variety of factors.  Most commonly it is due to the either the position of the baby in the womb or how their head/neck were positioned.  If they were stuck leaning one way or the other their muscles may be tighter on one side, or their neck vertebra may be subluxated (misaligned).  This can be common in twins sharing the womb due to tight quarters.  Another cause could be a structural abnormality such as muscles that are physically shorter on one side of their neck or a neck vertebra that is misshapen or fused to another vertebra. In cases where a structural abnormality exists it can be labeled a congenital torticollis, and their case may be managed differently than cases of other causes.

Treatment for Infantile Torticollis in Sioux Falls

What are ways to help a child struggling with torticollis?  A simple at home option parents can try is encouraging the infant to turn their head to both directions when eating or playing.  If at-home modifications don’t help, then chiropractic and physical therapy are good next steps. Chiropractors will evaluate and adjust the spine if needed to help improve mobility.  Both chiropractors and physical therapists may do stretching and other exercises to encourage the child to turn both directions. If a flat spot on the head has developed, then a helmet may be prescribed to help the skull bones to return a “normal” shape. If you have any child that you believe may have torticollis and are in the Sioux Falls area, we will welcome the chance to help you.  Please contact our office to schedule a chiropractic appointment with one of our providers.

Adam Renelt, DC is the founder of Back in Balance Chiropractic. Dr. Adam grew up on a farm in South Dakota and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in 2004. In 2007 he graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic with his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and started his career in private practice. He lives in Sioux Falls with his wife and son.  In his free time he enjoys reading and being outdoors, mountain biking and hiking.

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