Torticollis in Infants: What Parents Should Know

By Kelsi Belz, DC, CACCP

As a pediatric chiropractor, one of the most common referrals we receive from pediatricians is for torticollis. While a baby’s head tilt might seem cute at first, it is often the result of torticollis; a musculoskeletal imbalance that can appear shortly after birth but may also develop later in childhood.

Torticollis is typically caused by a joint restriction in the upper part of the neck, which creates

tightness or imbalance in the muscles on one side, most commonly the sternocleidomastoid

muscle (SCM). When this muscle becomes tight, it pulls the head into a consistent tilt and

rotation pattern.

Over time, you might notice your baby prefers breastfeeding on only one side, causes discomfort in one nipple during nursing, struggles with tummy time, or begins to develop a flat spot on the back or side of the head. In some cases, torticollis is also influenced by deeper patterns of spinal tension, such as dural restriction, a tightening or pulling of the connective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This tension can extend all the way to the sacrum (tailbone) and is often rooted in the pelvis. It may subtly pull the baby’s body downward on one side, leading parents to notice that their baby consistently rests in a C-shaped curve or appears asymmetrical. These whole-body patterns are essential to address early, as they can contribute to ongoing head tilt and postural imbalances if left untreated.

What Causes Torticollis in Infants?

Torticollis can result from a variety of factors, including:

● Positioning in utero or during labor

● A long pushing phase, rapid delivery, or assisted birth (forceps, vacuum)

● Prolonged time in car seats or baby holders

● Congenital muscular shortening

Regardless of the cause, early detection and gentle intervention are key to preventing long-term impacts on your baby’s growth and development.

The Problem with "Wait and See"

Many well-meaning providers recommend a "wait and see" approach, assuming the baby will grow out of it. However, torticollis is rarely just a muscular issue. It almost always involves both structural and neurological imbalances in the cervical spine and upper body. While your baby may seem to compensate over time, this often leads to abnormal movement patterns and poor postural habits that can persist into childhood and beyond.

One of the most common and overlooked complications of untreated torticollis is a change in the shape of the skull. The two most common patterns are:

● Plagiocephaly – flattening on one side of the head

● Brachycephaly – flattening or widening at the back of the head

Because babies with torticollis tend to rest their heads in the same position, the soft bones of the skull begin to mold unevenly. If the underlying cause is not addressed, this can lead to more significant cranial asymmetry over time. Parents who are advised to "wait and see" are often later offered helmet therapy to help reshape the skull. While helmets can be effective in addressing head shape, they do not correct the root cause; the neck imbalance and head positioning that led to the flat spot in the first place.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care for infants is gentle, specific, and safe. Using light fingertip pressure,

pediatric adjustments help restore motion and alignment to the spine, especially the upper

cervical region. This area plays a vital role in how your baby holds their head, moves their eyes, and interacts with the world around them.

Watch a pediatric adjustment HERE.

By addressing torticollis early through chiropractic care and movement-based strategies, ideally before cranial shaping begins, we can often reduce or even eliminate the need for helmets. Early care supports better symmetry, neck mobility, and a more balanced foundation for healthy development.

Early Intervention Leads to Lifelong Benefits

When torticollis is addressed early, we are not just improving how your baby looks or moves.

We are supporting the neurological foundation for better posture, coordination, and function in the years ahead. If you have noticed your baby favoring one side, avoiding tummy time, or developing a flat spot on their head, now is the ideal time to act. With the right support, your child can grow, move, and thrive with ease and balance.

SCHEDULE A PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC EVALUATION

We would be honored to support your baby’s comfort, movement, and development.

Early care leads to lasting change.

Situated in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, Washington Park Chiropractic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experienced chiropractors and therapists work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. We understand the active lifestyle of our Denver community and strive to help our patients return to their favorite activities pain-free. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone dealing with chronic pain, our goal is to support your journey to optimal health.