As a parent, you notice every little detail about your baby—from the curve of their smile to the way they tilt their head. But what happens when you notice your baby consistently tilting their head to one side or developing a flat spot on their skull? These may be signs of torticollis and plagiocephaly, two common but often misunderstood conditions in infants. Understanding these issues early can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort, development, and long-term well-being.

Torticollis (also called “wry neck”) is a condition where an infant’s neck muscle (the sternocleidomastoid) is tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt toward one side and turn toward the opposite side.

Plagiocephaly (often called “flat head syndrome”) refers to asymmetry or flattening of the skull, often resulting from prolonged pressure on one part of the head.

These two conditions frequently occur together. A baby with torticollis may prefer one head position, leading to persistent pressure on the same part of the skull and eventually causing plagiocephaly.

For Torticollis:

• Head consistently tilted to one side and turned to the opposite side
• Difficulty turning their head fully in both directions
• Preference for looking over one shoulder
• Asymmetrical neck movement or stiffness
• Sometimes, a small lump or tight band felt in the neck muscle

For Plagiocephaly:

• Flattening on one side or the back of the head
• Asymmetrical appearance of the ears, forehead, or eyes
• Uneven hair wear or lack of hair in one area
• Resistance to changing head position during sleep or play

• Positioning in the Womb: Crowding or restricted movement during pregnancy can contribute to muscle tightness.
• Birth Trauma: Difficult deliveries (e.g., use of forceps or vacuum extraction) may strain neck muscles or cranial bones.
• Back Sleeping: While safe for reducing SIDS risk, always sleeping on the back can increase pressure on one part of the skull.
• Limited Tummy Time: Lack of varied positions during awake hours can exacerbate both conditions.

Left unaddressed, torticollis and plagiocephaly can lead to:

• Delayed motor skills (rolling, crawling, sitting)
• Jaw misalignment or feeding difficulties
• Visual or auditory imbalances due to skull asymmetry
• Persistent postural imbalances

The good news: both conditions are highly treatable, especially when caught early.

Osteopathic treatment offers a gentle, whole-body approach to addressing torticollis and plagiocephaly. Rather than focusing solely on the neck or head, osteopaths assess how tension in one area may be affecting others. Using subtle, hands-on techniques, they can:

1. Release Neck Muscle Tension: Gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization can improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
2. Address Cranial Restrictions: Delicate cranial techniques encourage natural movement of the skull bones, helping reshape the head and relieve pressure.
3. Improve Overall Mobility: By ensuring free movement in the spine, shoulders, and hips, osteopathy supports balanced development and prevents compensatory patterns.
4. Enhance Nervous System Function: Releasing tension around nerves that supply the neck and head can improve comfort and mobility.
5. Guide Home Care: Parents receive tailored advice on positioning, stretches, and activities to support progress between sessions.

Osteopathy is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free—making it an ideal option for even the youngest infants.

• Encourage Tummy Time: Start with short, frequent sessions to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• Varied Positions: Alternate the direction your baby lies in the crib and during play.
• Limit Time in Containers: Reduce use of car seats, bouncers, and swings when not necessary.
• Engage with Sight and Sound: Use toys, voices, and light to motivate your baby to turn their head in both directions.

1. Lessard, S., et al. (2011).The impact of osteopathic treatment on infants with deformational plagiocephaly. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 111(6), 372-378.
2. Xia, T., et al. (2020).The Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Addition to Standard Care for infants with Positional Plagiocephaly: A Systematic Review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 120(9), 595-606.
3. D’Alessandro, G., et al. (2020).Osteopathic manipulative treatment in infants with postural plagiocephaly and gastrointestinal symptoms: A pilot study. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 120(5), 308-315.
4. Cabrera, M. N., et al. (2022).The Role of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 122(3), 147-157.