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Torticollis in Infants and Children

Cincinnati Area Torticollis Relief

Torticollis in Infants and Children

Cincinnati Area Torticollis Relief

Torticollis or wry neck is a condition where a child’s neck is twisted, stiff, painful or sore. Often times, this condition causes the head to tilt to one side while the chin tilts in the opposite direction. Torticollis develops due to problems with the upper spine and/or the muscles and nerves located in the neck.

As described in further detail below, this condition can affect infants at birth or it can develop throughout childhood and adult life. Either way, torticollis can severely limit movement of the neck and cause a great deal of discomfort and pain.

Congenital Torticollis in Infants

Congenital torticollis means a child was born with this condition. The trauma of birth or poor positioning inside the mother’s womb can damage the muscles and nerves in an infant’s neck or the infant’s spine.

Proper positioning of the child in the womb, reducing birth trauma and routine chiropractic care for infants immediately after birth are examples of how our chiropractic care helps prevent many conditions like torticollis.

To learn more about our chiropractic during pregnancy and its many benefits for both mom and baby, please visit the following link: Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care
To learn more about our chiropractic care for new-born infants and babies, please visit this link: Safe and Gentle Health Care for Infants and Babies

Acquired Torticollis in Children

While torticollis can develop anytime during one’s life, the childhood years are the stage in life where the condition is most common. A child can injure his or her spine or the muscles and nerves in his or her neck by such normal activities as:
  1. Playtime
  2. Participating in sports
  3. Sleeping

Torticollis may also develop as a result of poor posture, slouching or an infection (particularly an ear infection).

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Torticollis Symptoms

The symptoms of torticollis with an infant or child may include:
  1. Tilted head
  2. Frequent crying and discomfort
  3. Stiff neck or limited movement of the neck
  4. Neck pain
  5. Headaches

Plagiocephaly and Torticollis

Plagiocephaly or Flat Head Syndrome is a condition characterized by the flattening of one side of the head. Because torticollis causes the head to tilt to one side, it can make children with torticollis susceptible to developing plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly can have a serious impact on a child’s ability to talk and chew as well as their vision and can lead to sinus related problems.
Medical doctors will typically recommend the casting of a customized helmet for children with plagiocephaly. The helmet must be worn nearly 24 hours per day for as long as 6 months. Needless to say, the constant wear of a helmet can be very uncomfortable and dramatic for a child.
At Baker Chiropractic and Wellness, we effectively treat children without needing to use a helmet.
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Read What This Mom Says About How We Helped Her Child

“When Brooke was three months old she was diagnosed with torticollis. Torticollis is the tightening of the muscles on one side of the neck causing the baby to look in only one direction. She was referred to start physical therapy right away. During our first visit with the PT, we were told torticollis could also cause a flattening of the skull on one side or the back of the head, known as Plagiocephaly. This looked like the direction we were heading, which would result in Brooke wearing a helmet for six months; 23 hours a day.
When we started physical therapy they said it would take at least eight months to see any real improvement. Mind you, we were dealing with a very uncomfortable, fussy baby which called for many sleepless nights. More importantly, how would this condition affect her development and her motor skills?
Torticollis

Eight months seemed like an eternity. I was so discouraged and felt really helpless. One day I was talking to our home health care nurse about Brooke’s condition and how I was feeling. She told me her neighbor’s son also had torticollis and was treated by Baker Chiropractic. She said he was much more comfortable and sleeping a lot better and recommended I give them a call.

I was a little skeptical. I had heard so many different opinions of chiropractic care, but at this point was willing to try anything. I can honestly say this is the best thing I could have done for her. After only 10 visits, there is a dramatic improvement in Brooke’s condition. She is like a totally different baby. To look at her now you would never know there was ever anything wrong with her. She holds her head straight, looks in either direction, (sleeps thru the night!) and is a much happier baby. Needless to say, I am a much happier mommy!

I recently took Brooke back to the PT and they themselves were quite impressed with the progress. Turns out, she won’t need that helmet after all. To go from facing eight long months of therapy, to results after 10 adjustments is such a relief and truly amazing. I was so afraid we would miss out on the joy of our baby’s first year.

I cannot say enough how grateful we are to Dr. Baker and his staff. Everyone there has been so great to work with. They are always so friendly and genuinely happy to see us. As a mother of four little ones walking into a doctor’s office, that’s not usually the response I get.

Thank you so much for your dedication in helping Brooke. You have given us back those eight months and lifted a great weight off of our family – I just can’t thank you enough for that!” – S. Garrison

Helping Children with Torticollis and Plagiocephaly for 20 Years

At Baker Chiropractic and Wellness, we offer over 20 years of experience helping infants and children escape the pain and discomfort of torticollis and plagiocephaly. Our safe and proven chiropractic care is extremely effective and does not require the use of expensive and potentially harmful prescription drugs and medications.

If you or your child is suffering from torticollis, please contact us by calling (513) 561-2273 or schedule an appointment here on our website at any of our greater Cincinnati area locations.

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