Home
Blog

Torticollis & Plagiocephaly: Why Early Chiropractic Care Makes a Difference

Portrait of Dr. Matt Morris of Pinnacle Chiropractic Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractor in Lakewood Ranch, FL.
Dr. Matt Morris
April 3, 2025
A baby with torticollis received a gentle nervous system based chiropractic adjustment.

Torticollis & Plagiocephaly: Why Early Chiropractic Care Makes a Difference

As a parent, you notice every little detail about your baby—how they move, how they sleep, and even how they hold their head. If your baby tends to tilt their head to one side, struggles to turn their head, or has a flat spot developing on their skull, you may be dealing with torticollis and plagiocephaly. These infant conditions can affect your baby’s comfort, feeding, and overall development.

The good news? Early intervention is key, and chiropractic care is one of the safest, most effective ways to help.

What Causes Torticollis in Babies?

Torticollis (often called "wry neck") occurs when a baby’s neck muscles tighten or shorten, making it difficult for them to turn their head properly. It’s often due to:

  • Positioning in the womb (especially in breech or cramped positions)
  • Birth trauma (such as a long labor, forceps/vacuum delivery, or c-section)
  • Muscle tension or misalignments in the upper cervical spine

When a baby has torticollis, they may naturally favor one side, leading to plagiocephaly (a flat spot on the head) due to prolonged pressure in one area.

How Torticollis Impacts Development

Torticollis and plagiocephaly aren’t just cosmetic concerns—they can impact your baby’s developmental milestones in many ways, including:

✔️ Delayed Motor Skills – Limited head movement affects rolling, crawling, and coordination.
✔️ Feeding Difficulties – Babies with torticollis often struggle with latching, favor one breast during breastfeeding, or have trouble turning their head to bottle feed.
✔️ Head Shape Changes – Flat spots can become more pronounced if not addressed early.
✔️ Vision & Balance Issues – Over time, a head tilt can affect visual tracking and equilibrium.

Why Chiropractic is a Safe & Natural Solution

At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we specialize in gentle, nervous system-based infant chiropractic care that helps correct torticollis and prevent long-term challenges. Unlike traditional treatment methods that focus solely on stretching tight muscles, we address the root cause—the nervous system.

🔹 Gentle Adjustments – We use soft, precise techniques to release tension in the neck and upper spine, allowing for full head movement.
🔹 Improved Nervous System Function – When the nervous system is balanced, muscles can relax, movement improves, and feeding becomes easier.
🔹 Whole-Body Wellness – Chiropractic supports your baby’s immune system, digestion, and overall comfort—helping them thrive!

Our doctors are Webster Certified and trained in pediatric chiropractic by the ICPA and PXDocs, ensuring your baby gets the safest, most specialized care possible.

How Parents Can Help at Home

In addition to nervous system based chiropractic care, here are a few ways to support your baby’s progress at home:

✔️ Encourage Tummy Time – Place your baby on their belly throughout the day to strengthen their neck muscles.
✔️ Switch Sides When Holding & Feeding – Help them turn their head both ways by alternating positions during feeding and carrying.
✔️ Use Toys for Gentle Encouragement – Place interesting toys on their non-preferred side to encourage natural movement.
✔️ Avoid Excessive Time in Car Seats & Swings – Too much time in restrictive devices can worsen plagiocephaly.

Let’s Get Your Baby Scanned!

If your baby has a persistent head tilt, difficulty feeding, or a developing flat spot, early chiropractic care can make all the difference. Our gentle, specialized approach at Pinnacle Chiropractic can help your baby move, grow, and develop with ease. Our non-invasive INSiGHT scans can show areas of inflammation and stress in your baby's neurological system that need to be addressed.

One of our Patient Care Coordinators can help you schedule your visit. Let’s get your baby started on their journey to better movement, comfort, and overall wellness. Call us at 941.822.8828. We can’t wait to help you on this journey.

Looking for a Pediatric or Prenatal Chiropractor Near You?

Visit www.pdcnearme.com to find someone in your area?

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Reviews

Patient Stories: Discover Reviews by Satisfied Chiropractic Patients

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Pinnacle.

We love all of the staff and the doctors each have their own individual touch for any specific need.
We have been going to Pinnacle weekly for years. We love all of the staff and the doctors each have their own individual touch for any specific need. Whether it’s a dense, tough scenario or a soft, extra-sensitive touch, Pinnacle can meet that need for both children and their adults. Chiropractic care has kept our family healthy, at top performance, and I have no clue where we would be without it.
They have been there for my first pregnancy, my miscarriage, and thankfully another pregnancy.
Pinnacle has truly been such a blessing in mine and my daughter life. All their staff care so much about you as an individual and of course your health. They have been there for my first pregnancy, my miscarriage, and thankfully another pregnancy. They have such a wealth of knowledge to share and help you along your journey. Pinnacle cares for you like family and we are so grateful for that.
Insights + Tips

Discover the Natural Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Learn about the benefits and get latest in chiropractic care.

Designs for Health Prenatal Pro vitamins for pregnant women

Best Prenatal Vitamins for MTHFR Mutation: What Every Mama Needs to Know

Discover the best prenatal vitamin for MTHFR mutation. Learn why Designs for Health Prenatal Pro™ is our top choice for bioavailable, safe prenatal nutrition.
Read Article
A pregnant mom receiving gentle Webster Technique chiropractic adjustment at Pinnacle Chiropractic in Sarasota/Bradenton.

Safe, Gentle, & Effective: Why Every Pregnant Mom Should Know About the Webster Technique

Discover why the Webster Technique is the safest chiropractic adjustment for pregnancy. Learn how it prepares your body for labor and supports your baby's optimal development.
Read Article
Mother holding her baby during a gentle chiropractic session.

How to Find an Infant Chiropractor Near You: A Parent’s Guide

Searching for a trusted infant chiropractor near you? Discover how to choose the best provider, what certifications to look for, and why families rely on PDCNearMe.com to find specialized care.
Read Article
A breastfeeding mother drinking an electrolyte drink to stay hydrated and support milk supply.

Best Electrolytes for Breastfeeding: A Mom-Approved Guide to Staying Hydrated and Energized

Discover the best electrolytes for breastfeeding moms to boost hydration, energy, and milk supply. Learn about mom-approved options like Redmond ReLyte and LMNT.
Read Article
Contact Us

Visit Our Office

Contact us for expert chiropractic care in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton, FL.

A woman holding a baby with a pink flower on her shirt.
A woman with long hair and a polka dot shirt.
A man is holding a young boy on his shoulders.
Google LogoFive Star Rating
130+Reviews

Address

Pinnacle Chiropractic
7984 Cooper Creek Blvd., Suite #104
University Park, FL 34201
Open in Google Maps