As pediatric chiropractors serving Middleton, Madison, and greater Dane County, Wisconsin, one of the most common concerns we see in our youngest patients is torticollis. That tilted head position with a strong preference to look one way can cause worry and frustration for parents because it can affect not only their mood, but their comfort levels and even feeding.
What Is Torticollis?
So first what is torticollis? Torticollis (often called “wry neck”) is a condition where a baby’s head tilts to one side while the chin rotates to the opposite shoulder. This head position preference often develops from:
- Birth positioning or stress
- Intrauterine constraint
- Muscle imbalances
- Early nerve tension patterns
While many Middleton and Madison area parents are told to “wait and see” or are immediately referred to physical therapy, there’s often a missing piece to the puzzle – the nervous system connection.
Beyond Just Muscle Tightness
What many parents don’t realize is that torticollis isn’t just about tight neck muscles. It’s often a sign of underlying nervous system tension. Think of it like this – your baby’s muscles are responding to signals from their nervous system. When those signals are imbalanced, the muscles respond accordingly.
This is why addressing just the muscles through stretching often doesn’t create complete resolution. We need to support the system that’s controlling those muscles!
The Nervous System Connection
Through our INSiGHT scanning technology, we can see where your baby’s nervous system is holding tension patterns and thus holding their head to one side. By understanding these patterns, we can create a more comprehensive approach to supporting your baby’s development.
How Our Middleton Office Helps
How do we create change with torticollis using chiropractic? Is there any cracking or popping done to my baby?
At our office we utilize gentle, specific adjustments (about the same pressure you’d use to test a ripe tomato), we help support your baby’s nervous system in finding better balance. This approach addresses underlying tension patterns in the upper spine and neck, supports natural alignment of the growing body, enhances muscle function through improved nerve communication, promotes symmetrical development during these crucial early months, and creates better balance throughout the entire nervous system.
Parents who bring their little ones to ADIO Chiropractic often notice improvements in head positioning within just a few visits, increased comfort during nursing or feeding on both sides, more restful and longer sleep patterns, smoother and more coordinated overall movement, and consistent progress in reaching developmental milestones. Our gentle, neurologically-focused approach works beautifully alongside any stretches or exercises you’ve been given, creating a comprehensive healing environment for your baby to thrive.
Plagiocephaly Connection
Many babies with torticollis can also develop plagiocephaly (flattening of the head) because they consistently prefer one position. This creates a concerning cycle—the neck tension causes your baby to favor turning their head to one side, which then creates constant pressure on the same area of their developing skull. Over time, this repeated positioning leads to flattening that can affect not just appearance, but potentially facial symmetry and even developmental patterns. By addressing the root cause early through gentle chiropractic care, we often help prevent these secondary challenges from developing or worsening. This is precisely why it’s so important to address torticollis promptly rather than waiting until you notice significant head flattening or shape changes. The neurological patterns become more ingrained with time, making them potentially more challenging to resolve. Early intervention through our gentle, specific approach at ADIO Chiropractic helps restore proper nervous system function, allowing natural, balanced
Understanding Your Baby’s Needs
Every baby’s journey is unique. Using our INSiGHT scanning technology and thorough assessment, we can create a custom care plan that addresses your baby’s specific needs.
At ADIO Chiropractic, we recognize that your little one isn’t simply a “smaller version” of an adult—they have their own distinct nervous system patterns, developmental timeline, and individual responses to care.
Our specialized assessment begins with understanding your pregnancy and birth experience, observing your baby’s movement patterns, and utilizing gentle scanning technology that helps us identify areas of tension or imbalance in their developing nervous system. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to pinpoint exactly where and how intervention will be most effective, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. We then craft a personalized care plan that respects your baby’s unique needs, considering factors like age, severity of torticollis, overall development, and your family’s goals. This tailored approach means more efficient care, better outcomes, and a supportive partnership that evolves as your baby grows and develops.
Ready to Support Your Baby’s Development?
If your baby is showing signs of torticollis, early intervention can make a significant difference. Our Middleton office, conveniently located for Madison and Dane County families, offers a complete New Patient Examination to help you get started.
Contact our Middleton office today to start your baby’s journey to better balance.
