What is Torticollis?

Lydia Weir
April 14, 2023

What is torticollis?

Torticollis is a stiff, stuck, and twisted neck where the child’s head is continually bent to one side, making it difficult to turn and rotate their head and neck in both directions.

In my experience, most cases of torticollis are easily overlooked and missed. Parents are typically told that “it’ll get better with time” and their infant will “grow out of it.” However, truth be told, they don’t grow out of it. Kiddos actually grow into a whole load of other issues.

They’re more susceptible to ear infections and respiratory infections like croup, chronic cough, and even RSV. Severe forms of torticollis can lead to plagiocephaly (flattened skull due to repeated pressure).

What causes torticollis?

It is diagnosed as congenital if it is caused by abnormal positioning of the fetus while still in the womb. This could be due to malposition like being breech or lowered amniotic fluid. It could also be considered congenital if it is caused by a genetic condition that affects the muscular system.

However, the most common form is acquired. The most common cause of acquired torticollis is birth trauma. The amount of pulling and twisting on an infant's head, neck, and spine that occurs is significant and many times leaves the child with a subluxation, or misalignment, that then contributes to the torticollis. This is significantly worse if there was a birth intervention, such as: forceps, vacuum extraction, and c-section.

The more severe and apparent the torticollis, the more severe the subluxations patterns likely are for the child.

Here are 3 steps to help it change quickly!

1. Get is assessed and measured by a Pediatric Chiropractor

2. Make sure baby has plenty of tummy time

3. Don’t get them walking or into walker equipment too soon

April 14, 2023
What is Torticollis?

What is torticollis? Torticollis is a stiff, stuck, and twisted neck where the child’s head is continually bent to one side, making it difficult to turn and rotate their head and neck in both directions. In my experience, most cases of torticollis are easily overlooked and missed. Parents are typically told that “it’ll get better […]

Read More
April 5, 2023
Pediatric Chiropractic: When and Why?

Why should my infant be checked by a chiropractor?  A baby can encounter their first misalignment, or subluxation, in utero, but more often than not it happens during the birthing process. Birth can be stressful for your newborn. Regardless if it was a vaginal birth or c-section, there is a lot of twisting and pulling […]

Read More
October 19, 2022
Tips to Optimize Sleep

Sleep complaints are one of the most common issues I hear in my office. Whether it be troubles falling asleep, troubles staying asleep, sleep feels too light, or not feeling rested in the morning, so many people are struggling.  Sleep is absolutely essential to all things health. Getting less than seven hours of sleep leads […]

Read More

Newsletter Signup!

Newsletter (Footer)
Chiropractic care and massage therapy located in Clive, Iowa and serving the surrounding communities including West Des Moines, Waukee, Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston and Grimes.
envelopephone-handset linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram