Chiropractic Care for Torticollis: Supporting Your Baby’s Neck, Movement, and Development
If you’ve noticed your baby consistently tilting their head to one side or preferring to look in only one direction, you may be wondering whether something is wrong. One possible explanation is torticollis, a common condition in infants that affects the muscles of the neck and can influence comfort, movement, and early development.
The good news is that torticollis responds very well to early, gentle care—especially when the whole body is taken into account.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition caused by involuntary tightening or contraction of one or more neck muscles, most commonly the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Babies may be born with torticollis or develop it in the weeks following birth.
This muscle tightness often causes the head to tilt toward one shoulder while rotating toward the opposite side. Some babies may only show one component—either a tilt or a strong preference for looking in one direction.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Torticollis
Every baby presents differently, but signs of infant torticollis may include:
A noticeable head tilt (ear closer to one shoulder)
Preference for looking left or right
One shoulder appearing higher than the other
Flat spot on one side of the back of the head
Facial or head asymmetry
A small lump or tight band on one side of the neck
A baby who feels stiff, tense, or uncomfortable when handled
Because babies spend so much time lying down early in life, limited neck movement can quickly lead to compensations throughout the body.
What Causes Torticollis in Infants?
The most common cause of torticollis is positioning in the womb. Babies who were breech, crowded, or positioned asymmetrically may have increased muscle tension at birth.
Other contributing factors may include:
Use of birth interventions such as vacuum or forceps
A difficult or traumatic birth
Prolonged positioning after birth
Often, torticollis is not caused by a single factor but by a combination of stressors affecting the neck and surrounding structures.
How Is Torticollis Diagnosed?
Dr. Kara performs a comprehensive evaluation to assess your baby’s neck range of motion, muscle tension, and overall movement patterns. If motion is restricted on one side or muscle tightness is present, torticollis may be diagnosed.
She also looks beyond the neck, assessing the shoulders, spine, and head shape to identify compensations that may be contributing to or resulting from the condition.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Torticollis
Treatment for torticollis is gentle, low risk, and highly effective—especially when started early. Dr. Kara uses a combination of approaches tailored to each baby, including:
Soft tissue massage to release tight neck muscles
Gentle chiropractic adjustments to support normal joint motion (no cracking or popping)
Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore balance and symmetry
Home exercises to support continued progress between visits
Because torticollis often affects more than just the neck, care also addresses areas such as the shoulders, upper back, and spine. Many babies with torticollis also develop flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly), which is evaluated and treated as part of care.
When Is the Best Time to Start Treatment?
The earlier torticollis care begins, the better the outcomes tend to be. There is no benefit to waiting. Research shows that early intervention leads to faster improvement and shorter treatment timelines.
Dr. Kara regularly treats babies as young as just a few days old. When care starts early, the body is more adaptable, and gentle corrections are often easier and more effective. Babies who begin treatment later or have had torticollis for longer periods may require more visits to achieve full resolution.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve noticed a head tilt, neck stiffness, or movement preferences in your baby, early support can make a meaningful difference. Gentle pediatric chiropractic care can help restore mobility, reduce tension, and support your baby’s comfort and development. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an infant evaluation, we’re here to support you and your family.
