Is your child struggling with torticollis, and you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to help them? You’re watching your little one tilt their head to one side, maybe having trouble turning their neck, and nothing seems to provide lasting relief. You’re not alone in this journey. Many families throughout Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, and surrounding areas are navigating the same challenges with their children’s torticollis.
💡 Key Takeaway: Torticollis isn’t just about tight neck muscles – it’s often a sign that your child’s nervous system needs support to function optimally, which is why traditional approaches may not provide lasting relief.
Perhaps you’ve tried physical therapy, stretching exercises, or other conventional treatments, but you’re still seeing your child struggle with the same neck positioning and movement limitations. The worry keeps you up at night, wondering if there’s something more you could be doing. What if we told you that torticollis might not just be a muscular issue, but actually connected to how your child’s nervous system is functioning?
❤️ You’re Not Alone: The sleepless nights and constant worry about your child’s development are feelings every parent with a torticollis diagnosis experiences – your concerns are valid and your search for answers shows incredible love.
Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where your child’s head tilts to one side while their chin points toward the opposite side. It literally means “twisted neck” in Latin, and it affects how your child can move and position their head normally.
There are two main types of torticollis in children. Congenital torticollis is present from birth and often develops in the womb or during delivery. Acquired torticollis develops later, sometimes after an injury or illness.
Most healthcare providers focus on the tight muscles in the neck, particularly the sternocleidomastoid muscle. However, what many don’t address is the underlying nervous system dysfunction that may be causing those muscles to stay tight in the first place. When we understand torticollis as a neurological issue rather than just a muscular one, we can address the root cause more effectively.
⭐ Did You Know? Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that addressing the neurological components of torticollis often leads to more comprehensive improvements than muscle-focused treatments alone.
Signs and Symptoms of Torticollis in Children
Every child with torticollis may present differently, but there are common signs that parents often notice. Here’s what to watch for:
- Head consistently tilted to one side, especially during feeding or play
- Difficulty turning their head to look in both directions equally
- Preference for looking or turning in only one direction
- Asymmetrical facial features or flat spots on the skull
- Delayed motor milestones like rolling, sitting, or crawling
- Fussiness during tummy time or when trying to change head position
- Muscle imbalances or asymmetry throughout the body
- Difficulty with feeding, especially breastfeeding on one side
If you’re reading this list and thinking “that sounds like my child,” trust your parental instincts. These signs often indicate that your child’s nervous system needs support to function optimally.
✅ What You Can Do: Document when you notice these symptoms most – during feeding, sleep, or play – as this information helps healthcare providers understand the pattern and severity of your child’s condition.
What Causes Torticollis?
While many practitioners focus solely on tight neck muscles, the real cause of torticollis often runs much deeper. At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we look at what we call “The Perfect Storm” – a combination of factors that create the ideal environment for torticollis to develop.
When the nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode, it can’t properly regulate the muscles and movements needed for normal head and neck positioning.
The Perfect Storm typically begins with birth trauma and interventions. Even seemingly “normal” births can create stress on your baby’s delicate spine and nervous system. Vacuum extraction, forceps, cesarean sections, or even prolonged labor can cause subluxations – misalignments in the spine that interfere with nervous system function.
Environmental stressors add another layer to this storm. These might include positioning in the womb, early life toxins, or ongoing stress that keeps your child’s nervous system in a heightened state of alert. When the nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode, it can’t properly regulate the muscles and movements needed for normal head and neck positioning.
The key player in this process is often the vagus nerve and upper cervical spine. When subluxations occur in the upper neck, they can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to communicate properly with the muscles. This creates a cascade effect where muscles stay tight, movement patterns become restricted, and your child’s body adapts by developing compensatory positions like the head tilt seen in torticollis.
How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Helps with Torticollis
At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we take a different approach to torticollis by focusing on your child’s nervous system function rather than just addressing symptoms. Our process begins with advanced INSiGHT scanning technology that measures exactly how your child’s nervous system is functioning.
These scans are completely safe and painless for children of all ages. They show us where subluxations are interfering with nerve communication and how your child’s autonomic nervous system is responding to stress. This objective data helps us understand the root cause of your child’s torticollis at a neurological level.
Our gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments are designed to remove subluxations and restore proper nervous system function. When we address these underlying neurological interferences, many families notice improvements not just in head positioning, but in overall function and comfort. The adjustments help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and support healthy vagus nerve function.
Because children’s nervous systems have incredible neuroplasticity, they often respond beautifully to this neurologically-focused approach. Many families also notice improvements in related conditions that commonly occur alongside torticollis, such as plagiocephaly, colic, and reflux.
While we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, research suggests that addressing nervous system function through chiropractic care can support the body’s natural healing processes and help children reach their developmental potential more fully.
Wondering if chiropractic care could help your child with torticollis?
Call us at (754) 203-5907 or schedule your child’s assessment online.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
We know that bringing your child to a new healthcare provider can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re already struggling with torticollis. Our Cooper City office is designed to be welcoming and comfortable for families from Pembroke Pines, Weston, Southwest Ranches, and surrounding areas.
Your first visit begins with a thorough consultation where we listen to your concerns and learn about your child’s health history. We’ll discuss their birth story, any challenges they’ve faced, and what you’re hoping to achieve through care.
Next, we’ll perform our INSiGHT neurological scans. These are completely non-invasive and painless – most children don’t even notice them happening. The scans give us objective data about your child’s nervous system function and help us identify exactly where interventions are needed.
During your report of findings visit, we’ll review the scan results with you and explain what they mean for your child’s health. If care is recommended, we’ll create a specific plan designed to address your child’s unique neurological needs. Throughout the entire process, we’ll make sure you understand what we’re doing and why it matters for your child’s development.
✅ Action Step: Before your visit, write down your observations about when your child’s head tilt is most noticeable and any feeding, sleeping, or movement challenges you’ve noticed – this helps us create the most effective care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Torticollis
Is chiropractic care safe for children with torticollis?
Yes, neurologically-focused chiropractic care is extremely safe for children when performed by a trained pediatric chiropractor. The adjustments we use for infants and children are incredibly gentle – often using no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Our doctors have specific training in pediatric care and use techniques designed specifically for developing nervous systems.
How long does it take to see improvements in torticollis?
Every child responds differently to care, and we never make promises about specific timelines. However, many families begin noticing changes within the first few weeks of care. Some see improvements in head positioning, while others notice better sleep, easier feeding, or improved comfort during tummy time. Children’s nervous systems have amazing healing potential, which often allows them to respond more quickly than adults.
Will my child need chiropractic care forever?
Our goal is always to help your child’s nervous system function optimally so they can develop and thrive naturally. The length of care depends on several factors, including how long the torticollis has been present, the underlying cause, and how your child responds to adjustments. We’ll work with you to create a care plan that makes sense for your family and adjust it as your child progresses.
Can chiropractic care replace physical therapy for torticollis?
Chiropractic care and physical therapy can work beautifully together, as they address different aspects of torticollis. While physical therapy focuses on stretching and strengthening muscles, chiropractic care addresses the neurological function that controls those muscles. Many families find that when we address the nervous system first, physical therapy exercises become more effective because the body can better integrate the movements.
What if my child cries during adjustments?
It’s completely normal for children to cry during their first few visits, especially if they’re already uncomfortable from torticollis. Crying doesn’t mean the adjustment is painful – children often cry when they’re in a new environment or experiencing new sensations. Our team is experienced in working with children of all ages and temperaments. We go at your child’s pace and use techniques to help them feel safe and comfortable in our office.
Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?
Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.
Related Articles
Learn more about how birth trauma and early stressors can impact your child’s development:
Birth Trauma & Your Baby: The Perfect Storm Explained
Take the Next Step for Your Child
Watching your child struggle with torticollis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure this out alone. At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.
Our neurologically-focused approach has helped many families in our community address not just the symptoms of torticollis, but the underlying nervous system dysfunction that contributes to the condition. When your child’s nervous system functions optimally, their body has the best opportunity to heal, develop, and thrive.
Ready to learn more about how we can help your child? Call our Cooper City office at (754) 203-5907 or use our online booking system to schedule your child’s comprehensive neurological assessment. Let’s work together to help your child reach their full potential.
Your child deserves to thrive.
Call Alive & Free Chiropractic at (754) 203-5907 or book your visit online today.
