What is Torticollis in Babies and How Can Infant Chiropractic Care Help
Torticollis of the Neck & Jaw Muscles
Torticollis is a tight or short sternocleidomastoid muscle, which runs from under the ear down to the breast bone (sternum).
It’s often accompanied by other tight muscles on one side of the body.
Torticollis is more common in babies that are:
Breech position
Long at birth (more than 51cm)
First born
Born with assistance of vacuum or forceps
If your infant has torticollis or other tight muscles, you may see:
A preference to turn the head to one side
Flat spot on the back of the head
Difficulty opening the mouth wide
Biting at the breast, bottle, or soother
Preference for one breast over the other
Factors that influence torticollis in babies may be:
Muscle tone
Muscle length
Cervical spine alignment
Tolerance for tummy time
Sleeping positions
What does Infant Chiropractic treatment include?
Assessment of muscle tone, muscle length, cervical spine alignment, neck/jaw and shoulder range of motion
Soft tissue treatment
Range of motion
Home exercise program
Torticollis and Breastfeeding
Torticollis can affect your baby’s ability to breastfeed successfully on both breasts due limited range of motion in the neck and inability to fully open their jaw for a sufficient latch. Chiropractors who are trained in Infant Chiropractic, like our Dr. David Blair DC, can treat your baby’s neck and jaw muscles using special muscle techniques for infants and release the tension to allow your baby to feed easier.
If you are a mama who may be experiencing this, you can email us at info@flow-wellness.ca to speak to Dr. David and find out more!
