When a baby holds their head in the same position consistently — as happens with torticollis — the area of the skull that contacts the mattress most often will gradually flatten. This flattening is called plagiocephaly, and it develops because the bones of an infant's skull are soft and moldable in the early months of life. The flattening is not dangerous in itself, but it is a visible sign that the baby's head position has been asymmetrical for long enough to affect skull shape. Because torticollis is the underlying driver of that positional preference, addressing the cervical tension is often a central part of the approach to plagiocephaly as well.
Dr. Bronstein at Beacon Clinic of Chiropractic evaluates both torticollis and plagiocephaly when they occur together in infants from San Luis Obispo and the surrounding California communities. His assessment considers the cervical spine, the craniosacral system, and the overall structural pattern of the infant's head and neck. Addressing the torticollis may allow the baby to move their head more freely, which reduces the sustained pressure on the flat area and gives the skull a better opportunity to round out as the baby grows. Families who have been told their baby has both a flat spot and a head tilt are welcome to discuss both concerns with Dr. Bronstein during a single consultation at Beacon Clinic in Grover Beach.
