Infant Torticollis/ Neck Tightness
What is Infant Torticollis?
Infant Torticollis is a condition where your baby's neck muscles are so tight that it causes babies head to twist and tilt to one side. It may look like your child's neck is rotated at an awkward angle (generally the ear is tipped to one shoulder whilst their head/ face is turning to look towards the opposite side. Torticollis is also referred to as wryneck.
Why does this happen?
Some babies are born with Torticollis due to positioning in the womb. And some develop it later as the strain patterns through the babies neck/ skull created through the pregnancy become more obvious. Some babies develop it later due to sleep positioning or how they are positioned in car seats/ prams etc for prolonged periods.
Signs that your baby may have Torticollis or neck tightness:
At The Backbone Osteopathy Clinics Southgate, we see various presentations of Torticollis/ neck tightness. Here are a few of the more common signs we see:
- Head flattening/ Plagiocephaly: Torticollis and plagiocephaly are commonly seen together. As baby is unable to move the neck, the constant pressure to one part of the babies soft, malleable skull results in it flattening slightly.
- Asymmetrical posture: One shoulder higher than the other.
Reduced range of movement in neck. Baby/ child avoids looking in one direction. - Breastfeeding babies struggle to feed from one side (due to inability to turn the neck which also affects ability to swallow.
- Swollen, tight muscle in neck.
- Uneven facial features.
How can Osteopathy help?
As Osteopaths we are highly trained in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. We use a combination of gentle massage techniques, joint articulation and cranial Osteopathy to help rebalance the muscles, tissues and structures involved. At The Backbone Osteopathy clinic, your Osteopath may also give you exercises/ stretches and general advice regarding things you can be doing at home to help speed up your child's recovery.
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The Backbone Osteopathy Clinics Southgate & Muswell Hill team will always ensure that patients seek appropriate medical advice and treatment for themselves, their babies and children alongside any osteopathic treatment.
We will refer patients back to their GP if a problem is not suitable for Osteopathic treatment.
