What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where a baby's head tilts to one side due to tightness or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck. You may notice your baby consistently turning their head to one side, resisting turning to the other, or holding their head in a tilted position.

Causes and Signs
Torticollis is commonly caused by positioning during pregnancy (constraint in the uterus), birth trauma (especially with assisted or difficult deliveries), and prolonged positioning after birth (consistently sleeping or being held the same way).
Signs parents notice include a persistent head tilt to one side, preference for looking in one direction, difficulty turning the head fully to both sides, frustration or crying when positioned to look the opposite way, a flat spot developing on one side of the head (plagiocephaly), and feeding preference for one breast or one side of a bottle.

How Chiropractic Helps
Torticollis involves both muscular tension and cervical misalignment. The tight SCM muscle is often a response to — not the cause of — subluxation in the upper cervical spine. When the vertebrae in your baby's neck are misaligned, the surrounding muscles tighten to protect the area.
Gentle cervical adjustments address the underlying subluxation, allowing the muscular tension to release naturally. These adjustments are incredibly light, fingertip pressure only, and most babies tolerate them super well.
As alignment improves, range of motion increases, the head tilt corrects, and your baby can move freely and comfortably in both directions!
Early Intervention Matters
Torticollis that goes unaddressed can lead to developmental concerns. A baby who can't turn their head equally in both directions may develop a flat spot (plagiocephaly), have difficulty with tummy time, experience delayed motor milestones (rolling, crawling), and develop asymmetrical movement patterns.
The earlier torticollis is addressed, the faster it typically resolves — and the less impact it has on your baby's overall development. Supporting your baby’s development now is part of the broader pediatric care we provide as they grow.

FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about our chiropractic services for children and families.
Yes. Gentle cervical adjustments address the subluxation contributing to the muscular tightness that causes the head tilt. As spinal alignment improves, the muscle releases and range of motion is restored.
As early as possible. Torticollis responds well to early intervention, and addressing it quickly helps prevent complications like plagiocephaly and developmental delays.
Common causes include intrauterine positioning (constraint during pregnancy), birth trauma (especially forceps, vacuum, or difficult deliveries), and postnatal positioning habits. All of these can create cervical misalignment and muscular tightness.
Extremely gentle. We use only fingertip pressure on your baby's cervical spine. There's no cracking or force — most babies remain calm or fall asleep during the adjustment.
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