Baby Torticollis and Osteopathy
Understanding Torticollis in Babies and the Role of Paediatric Cranial Osteopathy
Torticollis, often referred to as "wry neck," is a condition where an infant’s neck muscles become tight, causing their head to tilt to one side while the chin points to the opposite side. This common condition can be distressing for parents and uncomfortable for babies, but with early intervention and appropriate care, most infants can achieve a full recovery. One increasingly popular and holistic approach to addressing torticollis is paediatric osteopathy. In this article, we will delve into what torticollis is, its causes, symptoms, and how cranial osteopathy can provide gentle and effective support.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis originates from the Latin words “torquere” (to twist) and “collum” (neck). In babies, it most commonly manifests as congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), which means the condition is present at birth or develops shortly after. This is typically caused by a tightening or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, the long muscle that runs along the side of the neck.
When the SCM muscle on one side of the neck is affected, it can cause the baby’s head to tilt toward the tight side while rotating away from it. This misalignment can make it difficult for the baby to turn their head freely, potentially impacting feeding, comfort, and motor development.
Causes of Torticollis in Babies
The exact cause of torticollis can vary, but the most common contributors include:
Positioning in the Womb: Limited space or unusual positioning during late pregnancy can place pressure on the baby’s head and neck, leading to muscle tightness.
Birth Trauma: The forces exerted during a difficult or prolonged delivery, including the use of forceps or vacuum assistance, may contribute to tension in the neck muscles.
Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Babies with torticollis often develop a flat spot on one side of their head due to consistently lying in the same position. This can exacerbate the asymmetry in their neck and skull.
Underlying Conditions: Rarely, torticollis may be associated with underlying issues such as cervical spine abnormalities or neurological conditions.
Symptoms of Torticollis
Parents may notice several signs of torticollis in their baby, including:
A visible tilt of the head to one side.
Difficulty turning the head fully in both directions.
Preference for looking in one direction while feeding or sleeping.
Flattening of one side of the head (plagiocephaly).
Asymmetrical facial features over time.
Discomfort or fussiness during tummy time due to restricted neck movement.
If left untreated, torticollis can affect breastfeeding and cranial osteopathy, plagiocephaly (Minghelli 2022), cranial osteopathy for TMJ and reflux (Berclik et al 2019). Also a baby’s ability to achieve motor milestones such as rolling, sitting, and crawling. Therefore, early intervention is crucial.
Treatment Options for Torticollis
Conventional treatment for torticollis typically involves gentle stretching exercises to lengthen and strengthen the affected muscle. In severe cases, a referral to a specialist may be necessary.
Alongside these approaches, many parents are turning to paediatric osteopathy as a complementary therapy. This gentle and non-invasive treatment aims to address the underlying musculoskeletal imbalances contributing to torticollis, offering a holistic pathway to recovery.
What Is Paediatric Osteopathy?
Paediatric osteopathy is a specialised form of osteopathy tailored to the unique needs of infants and children. It focuses on the subtle movements and rhythms of the cranial bones and the surrounding tissues, which can become restricted or imbalanced due to factors such as birth trauma or intrauterine positioning.
Cranial osteopaths use their hands to apply very light, precise pressure to areas of tension or restriction in a baby’s body. The goal is to restore balance and encourage optimal function in the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. This gentle approach is safe for even the youngest of patients.
How Cranial Osteopathy Can Help with Torticollis
Cranial osteopathy can play a valuable role in the treatment of torticollis by addressing the root causes of the condition and supporting the baby’s natural ability to heal. Here are some ways it can help:
Releasing Tension in the Neck: Cranial osteopaths can identify and release areas of tightness or restriction in the SCM muscle and surrounding structures, helping to restore a more neutral head position.
Improving Skull Symmetry: If plagiocephaly is present, cranial osteopathy can help gently reshape the baby’s skull by releasing tension in the cranial sutures and supporting natural growth patterns.
Addressing Birth Trauma: Many babies with torticollis have experienced birth trauma, which can leave residual tension in the neck, shoulders, or cranial bones. Cranial osteopathy can help release these restrictions.
Enhancing Overall Function: By improving mobility and reducing discomfort, cranial osteopathy can support a baby’s ability to feed, sleep, and engage in tummy time more comfortably.
Encouraging Nervous System Regulation: Gentle cranial work can help calm the baby’s nervous system, reducing fussiness and promoting relaxation.
What to Expect During a Cranial Osteopathy Session
During a session, the osteopath will begin by taking a detailed case history, including information about the pregnancy, birth, and any symptoms the baby is experiencing. The baby will then be assessed while lying on a treatment table in the presence of a parent for reassurance.
The treatment itself involves gentle, hands-on techniques aimed at identifying and releasing areas of restriction or tension. Most babies find the process relaxing and may even fall asleep during the session. The number of sessions required will depend on the severity of the torticollis and the baby’s individual response to treatment.
Supporting Your Baby at Home
In addition to cranial osteopathy, parents can take proactive steps at home to support their baby’s recovery:
Encourage Tummy Time: Spending time on their tummy helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles. Gradually increase tummy time as your baby becomes more comfortable.
Alternate Sleeping Positions: Place your baby’s head at opposite ends of the crib on different nights to encourage them to turn their head both ways.
Use Toys to Encourage Head Movement: Place toys or mirrors on the side your baby avoids to encourage them to turn their head in that direction.
Feed on Both Sides: Switch arms during feeding to ensure equal stimulation of the neck muscles.
Perform Gentle Stretches: Follow guidance from a healthcare professional to perform safe and effective neck stretches.
When to Seek Help
If you suspect your baby has torticollis, it is essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications and ensure your baby’s development stays on track.
Parents often find cranial manipulation to be a comforting and effective addition to their care plan, providing their baby with gentle support while addressing the underlying causes of torticollis.
Conclusion
Torticollis in babies can be a challenging experience for parents, but with the right combination of therapies, including paediatric osteopathy, it is a highly treatable condition. This gentle, holistic approach not only addresses the physical symptoms of torticollis but also promotes overall well-being and development.
If your baby is struggling with torticollis or you have concerns about their head or neck alignment, consider reaching out to a qualified cranial osteopath. With early intervention and a caring, hands-on approach, you can help your baby achieve balance, comfort, and the best possible start in life.
Frequency asked questions
Can an osteopath help with torticollis? Yes, they can identify and release areas of muscular tensions or neck joint restrictions. Typically the anterior neck muscles (such as sternocleidomastoid SCM) and surrounding structures are affected. An osteopath will reduce muscular tensions and joint restrictions to help restore a more neutral head position. They will also advise on daily stretching exercises and gentle massage to help optimise recovery.
How long does it take to reverse torticollis? From experience, typically it takes 4 sessions on a weekly basis. However, it depends on the complexity of the case (whether there was intrauterine molding, birth trauma, forceps used, plagiocephaly present etc). Also the amount of stretching being conducted at home between sessions.
How do you treat torticollis NHS? With babies, typically through the NHS your lactation consultant through your infant feeding team or health visitor will identify torticollis. They may advise on improved feeding positions and home based stretches to potentially help. If breast feeding and weight gain is a concern following a challenging birth they may refer to a paediatric osteopath for treatment to help reduce a stiff neck or jaw tensions. For adults with acute torticollis please refer to the NHS specific NICE guidelines.
Can a chiropractor fix torticollis? It’s possible, if your baby has torticollis it would be best to seek a paediatric specialist chiropractor.
What are the disadvantages, risks or side effects of cranial osteopathy? We always advise it is possible for a baby to be unsettled or experience an increase in symptoms after a treatment for a day but then generally symptoms improve. However it is also possible babies respond to treatment immediately and are calmer, have a good sleep and you see a positive improvement with the torticollis or other symptoms. The disadvantage of osteopathy is typically it is a private service that you would need to cover individually unless you are covered with private medical insurance.
Do osteopaths do neck adjustments? Never with babies. Yes it’s possible with adults only with consent and when it is deemed an appropriate technique to perform after taking a detailed case history.
Does torticollis affect the spine? Yes torticollis can potentially affect the spine. A titled head posture for babies can affect spinal development. A recent study have shown a prevalence of secondary scoliosis and congenital muscular torticollis of 82.1% (Kim et al 2019).
Is infant torticollis a disability? No, however it’s important to take appropriate steps to manage as potentially it could lead to feeding difficulties, plagiocephaly (Minghelli 2022), reflux (Berclik et al 2019) and scoliosis (Kim et al 2019).
Is massage good for torticollis? Yes, gentle massage performed directly onto the affected SCM muscle alongside osteopathy sessions can help to find a more neutral head position.
At what age can a baby go to a cranial osteopath? There is no minimum age and ideally as soon as possible. We have seen babies as early as 1 week old at the clinic. This is a personal choice so feel free to organise a free 15min paediatric osteopathy discovery call if you have any questions.
Is Osteopathy recognised by the NHS? Osteopathy is recognised by the NHS as a complementary therapy. Osteopaths are allied health professionals who have completed a minimum of 4 years Masters degree level training with the general osteopathic council as a governing body. There are Osteopaths who work as part of the NHS particularly for conditions like back pain but the majority are private practitioners.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath for a baby? For babies, it depends on the quality and quantity of paediatric training and experience. At Wellthy Clinic, Matthew Glithero has trained at the gold standard Osteopathic Centre of Children.
References
Berclik et al (2019) Relationship Between Torticollis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder in Infants Pediatric Physical Therapy Apr;31(2):142-147. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30865145/
Kim, J-H. Yum, T-H. Shim, J S. (2019) Secondary Cervicothoracic Scoliosis in Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery Aug 12;11(3):344–351 Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6695322/
Minghelli, B & Guerriero, N (2022) Incidence of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Babies from Southern Portugal: Types, Age of Diagnosis and Risk Factors International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(15), 9133 Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35897505/
Is a Paediatric Osteopath who has completed training with the prestigious Osteopathic Centre for Children. He is passionate about helping children who torticollis to relieve tensions, support feeding and child development.