When you see your baby’s head consistently tilted to one side or notice they struggle to turn their head both ways, it’s natural to feel a wave of concern. You might notice they have trouble breastfeeding on one side or seem uncomfortable in their car seat. These are common observations that lead parents to our Cooper City, FL office, and they often come with one central question: what is going on, and how can we help our child?
If you’ve heard the term “torticollis,” you might be wondering if it’s the cause of your worries. As a neurologically-focused chiropractor, Dr. Cody Capeloto helps families understand that while a head tilt is a symptom, it often points to a deeper issue within the nervous system. This article will explore what torticollis is, where it really comes from, and how gentle, specific chiropractic care can help get to the root of the problem to support your baby’s health and development.
Understanding Infant Torticollis: More Than Just a Stiff Neck
First, let’s answer the main question parents have. Yes, neurologically-focused chiropractic care can be a gentle and effective approach for infants experiencing torticollis. It works by addressing the underlying nervous system stress and spinal misalignments that are often at the root cause, rather than just focusing on the tight neck muscle itself.
Torticollis, also known as “wryneck,” is a condition where the muscles of the neck, particularly the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, become tight or imbalanced. This causes the baby’s head to tilt to one side while the chin points to the opposite shoulder. While it looks like a simple muscle issue, it’s often a sign of a communication breakdown between the nervous system and the muscles.
This breakdown frequently starts before you even bring your baby home. The root causes of the stress that leads to torticollis often trace back to two key periods:
- In-Utero Constraint: A baby’s position in the womb can put physical stress on their developing spine and nervous system. A breech position, transverse lie, or simply a lack of room in the final weeks of pregnancy can lead to misalignments in the upper neck. Supporting a mother’s body during pregnancy is crucial, which is why we also provide specialized prenatal chiropractic care for expecting mothers in our community.
- The Birth Process: Birth is a beautiful, powerful event, but it’s also a significant physical stressor for a baby. Even in a seemingly smooth delivery, the pulling, twisting, and compressing forces can cause subluxations, or misalignments, in the delicate bones of the upper neck (the atlas and axis). Interventions like C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extraction can significantly increase this physical stress.
This stress on the upper neck can interfere with the nerves that control the SCM muscle, sending faulty signals that cause it to tighten and contract. This is why we see torticollis not as a “neck problem” but as a “nervous system problem.”
Common Signs of Torticollis and Nervous System Stress
Parents are incredibly intuitive and are often the first to notice something isn’t quite right. While a head tilt is the most obvious sign, the underlying nervous system dysfunction can manifest in other ways. Many parents who visit our Cooper City practice report seeing a cluster of these symptoms. Here’s what to look for:
- A persistent head tilt to one side.
- A strong preference for turning the head in only one direction.
- Difficulty and frustration during tummy time.
- Challenges with breastfeeding, especially a preference for one breast or a weak, shallow latch.
- A flattened area on one side or the back of the head (plagiocephaly).
- A small, palpable lump or knot in the neck muscle.
- Visible discomfort or crying when their head is moved or when placed in a car seat.
If you recognize several of these signs in your little one, it’s a clear signal that their nervous system may be stuck in a state of stress. This is not something they will simply “grow out of” without addressing the root cause.
The Link Between Torticollis and Feeding Issues: Parents are often surprised to learn that torticollis is closely linked to feeding difficulties, reflux, and colic. The same nerves in the upper neck that are impacted by birth trauma also play a crucial role in coordinating the suck, swallow, and breathe reflex. When there’s interference, it can make it hard for a baby to get a deep latch, manage milk flow, and digest properly. This is why our care for conditions like colic and reflux always starts with assessing the health of the nervous system.
A Note on Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Torticollis and plagiocephaly often go hand-in-hand. When a baby cannot turn their head freely, they tend to rest on the same spot, which can lead to a flattening of the skull. By addressing the root cause of the torticollis and restoring normal neck movement, chiropractic care can be a crucial supportive measure in preventing or improving plagiocephaly.
How Does a Chiropractor Approach Infant Torticollis?
At Alive & Free Chiropractic, our goal is not to “treat” the torticollis itself. Our goal is to locate and correct the root cause of the problem: the subluxation and nervous system stress that are preventing your baby’s body from healing and functioning properly.
Our approach to pediatric chiropractic care is built on trust and gentle techniques specifically designed for the unique needs of infants. Here’s what sets our process apart:
1. A Deep Understanding of Your Story
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive consultation where we listen. We want to hear your story-about your pregnancy, the birth experience, and all the little details you’ve noticed about your baby’s health and comfort. This helps us connect the dots and understand the potential sources of stress on your baby’s nervous system. We believe parents are the experts on their child, and your insights are invaluable to our care.
2. Advanced Neurological Scans
To get a precise picture of what’s happening beneath the surface, we use state-of-the-art INSiGHT scanning technology. These scans are completely safe, gentle, and non-invasive-they use no radiation and cause no discomfort. They simply measure the amount of stress and tension in the nervous system. The scans provide us with objective data that shows us exactly where subluxations are located and how they are impacting the communication between the brain and the body. This takes the guesswork out of the equation and allows Dr. Cody Capeloto to create a highly specific and customized care plan for your child.
3. Gentle, Specific Adjustments
Once we have a clear understanding of the root cause, Dr. Cody Capeloto will perform gentle and precise adjustments. It’s important for parents in Cooper City to know that a pediatric adjustment is vastly different from an adult adjustment. There is no popping, cracking, or twisting. The amount of pressure used is incredibly light-often described as the same pressure you would use to check the ripeness of a tomato. These adjustments are designed to release the tension, remove the interference, and restore proper communication between the brain and the body, allowing the SCM muscle to relax naturally.
The Path to Better Function and Health
Correcting the subluxations that contribute to torticollis is a process, not a one-time event. The nervous system needs time to adapt and heal. At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we create a customized care plan tailored to your baby’s specific needs based on their consultation and INSiGHT scan results. The frequency of visits is typically higher at the beginning and then tapers off as function improves and the body stabilizes. Throughout the process, we continuously monitor progress with follow-up scans to ensure we are achieving the desired results. Parents often report seeing wonderful changes beyond the resolution of the head tilt. They notice their baby is sleeping better, feeding more efficiently, having more regular bowel movements, and is generally a happier, more content baby. This is because we aren’t just addressing a stiff neck; we are supporting the overall function and well-being of their entire nervous system.
If you’re in Cooper City, FL, or the surrounding areas and are concerned about your infant’s head tilt, feeding struggles, or other developmental challenges, we are here to help. Contact Alive & Free Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cody Capeloto. Call our office at (754) 203-5907 to find out how neurologically-focused chiropractic care can support your baby’s health and help them thrive.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a neurologically-focused specialty practice and do not bill major medical insurance. We do accept HSA and FSA-which many families already have and can use for this type of specialized care. We also offer transparent self-pay rates and flexible payment options, because every family deserves the chance to thrive.
Is chiropractic care safe for babies?
Absolutely. Pediatric chiropractic care is incredibly safe and gentle. Dr. Cody Capeloto is trained in specific techniques for infants and children. The adjustments involve a very light, sustained pressure-nothing like the adjustments adults receive. Our primary focus is on the safety and comfort of your child.
What does a pediatric chiropractic adjustment feel like?
The pressure used for an infant adjustment is extremely light and gentle, often compared to the pressure you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Most babies are very relaxed during their adjustments, and many even sleep right through them. Our office is designed to be a calming and welcoming space for families.
How many visits will my baby need?
The number of visits required varies depending on the severity of the nervous system stress and how long it has been present. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Cody Capeloto will create a personalized care plan with a recommended schedule of care. Our goal is to help your child find stability and improved function as efficiently as possible.