As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. That's why it's important to take action if you suspect your child has torticollis, a condition where the neck muscle is tightened and twisted, causing the head to tilt to one side.
While it can be tempting to brush off torticollis as a temporary issue, it's important to seek help from a pediatric chiropractor. Not only can they help relieve the pain and discomfort that comes with torticollis, but they can also prevent long-term complications, such as a flattened head on one side, limited neck mobility, and even developmental delays.
So how can a pediatric chiropractor help with torticollis? Let's take a closer look.
First, a pediatric chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination of your child's neck, spine, and overall health. They will also consider any factors that may be contributing to the torticollis, such as a history of birth trauma, prolonged time spent in a car seat or bouncy seat, or other underlying health issues.
Once they have a clear understanding of your child's condition, they will create a personalized treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and other complementary therapies.
The goal of chiropractic care for torticollis is to realign the vertebrae in the neck, which can help improve the range of motion and relieve pain. Pediatric chiropractors use gentle, non-invasive techniques that are specifically designed for children and are safe and effective for even the tiniest patients.
In addition to chiropractic care, a pediatric chiropractor may also recommend exercises and stretches that can help improve neck strength and flexibility, as well as changes to your child's sleep and feeding positions. They can also work with you to develop an ergonomic plan for your child's playtime, car seat, and other daily activities to help prevent the recurrence of torticollis.
It's important to note that chiropractic care is not a one-and-done solution for torticollis. The number of treatments required will vary depending on the severity and duration of your child's condition, but most children with torticollis will require several visits to their pediatric chiropractor.
As with any healthcare provider, it's important to choose a pediatric chiropractor who has the proper training, experience, and credentials to ensure that your child receives the best possible care. Dr. Ian Shepstone at Sprout Family Chiropractic located in Plymouth, MI, is certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to care for these types of cases.
Torticollis can be a real pain, both physically and emotionally, for both you and your child. But with the help of a pediatric chiropractor, you can get your little one back to being their happy, healthy self. Contact Dr. Ian at Sprout Family Chiropractic today to find answers and help for your child.