Torticollis & Gentle Chiropractic Care
Torticollis & Gentle Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
If your baby always looks to one side, struggles with tummy time, or is developing a flat spot on their head, torticollis may be part of the picture. At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care to help support your baby’s movement, comfort, and healthy development.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis, sometimes called “wry neck,” is a condition in which the muscles of the neck become tight or shortened, causing a baby to prefer turning or tilting their head in one direction.
Congenital muscular torticollis is the most common form and is often noticed during the first few weeks or months of life. Babies with torticollis may have difficulty turning their head equally in both directions, prefer nursing on one side, or develop flattening of the head called plagiocephaly.
Early recognition and treatment are important because torticollis can affect feeding, motor development, and head shape as babies grow.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Head tilted to one side
- Preference for turning the head one direction
- Difficulty turning the head equally both ways
- Flat spot on one side of the head
- Difficulty with tummy time
- Preference for nursing on one breast
- Fussiness with repositioning
- Shoulder asymmetry
- Facial asymmetry
- Delayed motor milestones
- Arching or stiffness during movement
- Difficulty tracking objects equally to both sides
Possible Causes
Torticollis can develop for several reasons. Common contributing factors include:
- Positioning in the womb
- Limited space during pregnancy
- Breech positioning
- Difficult or prolonged labor
- Assisted deliveries
- Tightness of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
- Birth-related muscular tension
- Preference for looking one direction after birth
- Associated plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
Red Flags
Although muscular torticollis is common, there are other causes of head tilting that require medical evaluation.
- Parents should contact their pediatrician if their baby has:
- Sudden onset of head tilt
- Fever or signs of illness
- Weakness of the arms or legs
- Seizures
- Loss of developmental milestones
- Persistent vomiting
- Abnormal eye movements
- A mass that is rapidly enlarging
- Severe pain or inconsolable crying
- Head tilt that develops after a fall or injury
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we take a whole-body approach to evaluating torticollis.
Dr. Jayme performs a thorough assessment to understand how your baby’s nervous system, posture, movement patterns, and muscle tension may be contributing to their symptoms.
- Your baby’s evaluation may include:
- Pregnancy and birth history
- Nervous system assessment
- Neck range of motion
- Postural evaluation
- Cranial and facial symmetry assessment
- Muscle tone and reflexes
- Developmental milestone review
- Feeding and sleep history
Infant chiropractic care is extremely gentle and tailored specifically for babies. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation.
Our goal is to reduce areas of tension, improve movement patterns, support nervous system function, and help babies move more comfortably as they grow.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
We believe babies thrive when healthcare providers work together.
Depending on your baby’s needs, Dr. Jayme may collaborate with:
- Pediatricians
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Pediatric neurologists
- Craniofacial specialists
- Pediatric ophthalmologists
If additional imaging or specialty care is needed, we will help guide you toward the appropriate provider.
Can torticollis go away on its own?
Some mild cases improve as babies grow, but many benefit from early intervention. Addressing torticollis early may help prevent complications such as plagiocephaly, feeding challenges, and movement delays.
Is torticollis painful for babies?
Many babies are not in pain, but they may experience discomfort, frustration with movement, or difficulty settling in certain positions.
Is chiropractic care safe for babies with torticollis?
Yes. Infant chiropractic care uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques specifically designed for babies. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful movement.
Will my baby need physical therapy?
Some babies benefit from physical therapy, especially if there are significant movement restrictions or developmental concerns. We frequently work alongside pediatric physical therapists when appropriate.
Can torticollis cause a flat head?
Yes. Babies who prefer to keep their head turned one direction are at higher risk of developing plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome. Early evaluation and treatment can help address both concerns.
If your baby prefers turning their head one direction, struggles with tummy time, or has developed a flat spot on their head, early evaluation can make a difference.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your baby’s movement, comfort, and development.
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Pediatrics.
Her backgrounds in nursing and chiropractic allow her to approach infant care from both a clinical and holistic perspective. She understands how stressful it can be when your baby is struggling with movement, feeding, or developmental concerns.
Dr. Jayme is passionate about providing gentle, family-centered care that helps parents feel informed, supported, and confident in their child’s health journey.