Torticollis Care in Kentwood
Torticollis, sometimes called “wry neck,” occurs when a baby or young child holds their head tilted or turned to one side due to tight or shortened neck muscles. It’s more than just a preference for looking one direction. This physical restriction can affect how your child feeds, plays, develops motor skills, and even how their skull shapes during those crucial early months.
Parents often first notice that their baby always turns their head the same way, or that one cheek appears flatter than the other. Some discover it during feeding time when their little one fusses on one side but not the other. While conventional medicine often takes a wait and see approach or recommends aggressive physical therapy, we believe addressing the underlying spinal and muscular issues early can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort and development.
Signs That Torticollis May Be Present
Watch for a head that consistently tilts or leans to one side, or difficulty turning the head fully in either direction. Many babies with torticollis show a clear preference for looking or feeding on just one side, making nursing or bottle feeding challenging and stressful for both the parent and child.
You might also notice a flat spot developing on one side of the head, a condition called positional plagiocephaly that often goes hand in hand with torticollis. Your baby may become fussy, cry, or pull away when you try to turn or gently stretch their neck in the restricted direction. These aren’t signs that your child is just being difficult. They’re signals that something physical is preventing normal, comfortable movement.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Wilcox Family Chiropractic, we understand that parents worry about their babies receiving any kind of adjustment. That’s why we use extraordinarily gentle, pediatric appropriate techniques with no forceful twisting or cracking. The pressure we use is often compared to the gentle touch you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Our goal is to improve spinal alignment, release those tight neck muscles, and restore better mobility so your child can move their head freely in all directions. Because the neck directly connects to the central nervous system, improving motion and reducing tension here can have benefits that extend far beyond just the neck itself. Better nerve communication supports overall development and function.
Parents may notice improvements in head positioning, reduced fussiness, and better feeding experiences after just a few gentle adjustments.
Book an Appointment
Don’t wait and hope torticollis resolves on its own. Contact our Kentwood practice today to schedule your consultation and give your child the natural support they need to thrive.
