Torticollis & Plagiocephaly
We offer specialized care for infants with torticollis (neck tightness) and positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). Through in-depth evaluations of body tension, we assess the root causes of neck tightness and work with families on a tailored treatment plan to improve neck mobility and alleviate discomfort. The focus is on gentle, effective therapies that support optimal head shape development, reducing or eliminating the need for helmets.
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles become tight, causing their head to tilt to one side. It typically is associated with tightness in the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and other muscles in your babies neck and shoulder area. This can happen for a few different reasons, but the most common cause in babies is called positional torticollis. This usually happens from their position in the womb, or sometimes from being in a certain position for too long after birth. Torticollis can range from mild, moderate, or severe and can commonly be associated with plagiocephaly (a flat head).
The GOOD NEWS IS...
that torticollis is usually treatable and often improves with gentle stretches and physical therapy. That’s where Dr. Nikki comes in! A trained professional, such as your pediatrician, a PT or OT, can identify the root of the cause, and guide you through.
For new parents, it's understandable to be worried if you notice your baby’s head tilting, but it’s important to remember that torticollis is common and manageable. If you see this happening, it’s a good idea to bring it up with your pediatrician. You may notice your baby having this preference to one side as early asa few weeks old! The important thing is just to catch it early, so your baby has the best chance of a full recovery.
What can I do to help
my baby right now?
The key is catching and treating torticollis early! Between 0-4 months is the greatest chance for a quick recovery.
You can begin with
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Gentle stretches guided by a professional
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Encourage your baby to turn their head in both directions
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Increase tummy time
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Change direction of sleep in the crib
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Eliminate long positioning in containers such as sleepers, loungers, bouncers)
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is a term used to describe a flat spot on a baby’s head. This happens because babies’ skulls are soft and still forming during the first months of life. When a baby spends a lot of time lying on their back in the same position, especially when they’re young and still spend a lot of time sleeping or resting, the pressure can cause a flat spot to form on one side of their head.
Safe sleep guidelines—like placing your baby on their back to sleep—are so important, but it’s also why tummy time is encouraged while your baby is awake. Tummy time helps to take pressure off the back of the head and builds up neck and shoulder strength.
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How do we fix this?
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Decrease time on back or in restricting containers
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Increase Tummy Time
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Be conscious of holding, feeding and crib positioning
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Evaluate for torticollis or neck tightness
In some cases, if the flat spot is more noticeable or severe, it is recommended using a special helmet known as a Cranial Orthosis, that helps gently shape the head over time. This is typically only needed if the flattening doesn’t improve with positioning changes which is easiest before 5 months of age or when your baby is not yet rolling.
I know it can be a little nerve-wracking when you're a new parent, but you’re doing great by being aware and proactive!