Baby’s neck not turning?
It might be infant torticollis.
Infantile Torticollis
The presence of muscle spasms in infants can lead to torticollis, which is why we assist in remapping the baby's nervous system to properly function and align the neck back into a natural position. We prescribe stretching exercises for parents to perform with their babies at home, and provide gentle adjustments while here at our chiropractic clinic. A big portion of why this happens to babies is because of the trauma they experience during birth.
Adult Torticollis
While infantile torticollis is a well-known condition, it is important to state that it is not exclusive to infants and can also occur in adults, typically appearing as an abnormal tilt and rotation of the head to one side. Some adults first realize this when they can no longer properly turn their neck to shoulder check while driving.
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The exact cause of the condition is often said to be unknown, but it can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (a muscle located in the neck) before birth
A shortening of the muscle after birth due to an acute injury or strain
Developmental malformations of the cervical vertebrae or of the skull
Abnormal position of the fetus during its time in the womb
It is worth noting that the Torticollis is a symptom and not a disease itself. It can be caused by multiple reasons like muscle problems, vertebral malformation, or neurological conditions. A proper diagnosis is important to understand your baby’s specific cause and design a proper treatment plan accordingly.