How Often Should You What Parents Should Know About Torticollis — And Why Early Treatment Matters
By Dr. Kara Rangel, DC, IBCLC | The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support
Torticollis is more than just a tight neck! And it affects so much more than your baby preferring to look one direction.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis (often called “wry neck”) happens when your baby’s neck muscles are tight or imbalanced, causing their head to tilt to one side or rotate more easily in one direction. You might notice your baby prefers looking one way or seems uncomfortable turning the other.
It’s surprisingly common — and the good news is, it’s very treatable when caught early.
Common Signs of Torticollis
Parents often first notice it during feeding, tummy time, or diaper changes. Signs may include:
Head tilted to one side most of the time
Trouble turning the head equally both ways
Prefers to nurse on one breast or bottle feed on one side
Flat spot on one side or the back of the head (plagiocephaly)
Difficulty with tummy time — head always turns one way or they refuse to look up
Fussiness when turning the head or being laid down
Shoulder or jaw appearing uneven in photos
Even subtle head-turning preferences can indicate early muscle tension or imbalance.
How Torticollis Affects Feeding
Neck tightness doesn’t just change how your baby looks — it can also affect how they latch and feed.
When one side of the neck is tight, it can make it hard for baby to open their mouth wide or maintain a deep latch. You might notice:
Painful, shallow latching on one side
Clicking sounds during nursing
Milk dribbling from one corner of the mouth
Difficulty staying latched or frequent popping on and off
Strong preference for one breast (they may feed well in football hold on one breast and cross cradle on the other)
A baby with torticollis may appear “fussy at the breast,” when really, they’re just uncomfortable in certain positions.
The Connection Between Torticollis & Flat Head
Because babies with torticollis tend to rest their heads in the same position, flat spots (positional plagiocephaly) often develop. Over time, this can affect the shape of the skull, jaw, and even facial symmetry.
By addressing torticollis early, you’re not only helping your baby move comfortably — you’re also preventing flat head syndrome and supporting proper head and neck development.
Why Early Treatment Makes a Big Difference
The earlier we start gentle care, the faster torticollis resolves.
In the first few months of life, babies’ muscles and joints are soft and adaptable. With early chiropractic care, stretching, and guided positioning, most babies improve within weeks, not months.
Waiting too long can make tightness harder to release — and may lead to persistent flat head, feeding issues, or developmental delays in rolling and crawling.
How Chiropractic & Lactation Support Can Help
At The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support, I take a whole-baby approach:
Gentle infant chiropractic adjustments to release tension in the neck and shoulders.
Lactation support to improve latch and feeding comfort for both baby and mom.
Customized at-home exercises to keep progress going between visits.
These gentle methods not only help your baby feed and move better — they support healthy development from head to toe.
Want to Learn the At-Home Techniques I Teach in the Office?
If you’re ready to help your baby’s head shape and neck mobility improve faster, check out my online course:
Help Your Baby with Their Torticollis and Flat Head at Home»
Inside, I walk you through gentle positioning, tummy time modifications, and easy stretches you can do safely —all from home.
It’s the perfect companion to in-office care or a great starting point if you’re not local to Danville.
When to Reach Out for Help
If you’re noticing any head tilt, flat spots, or feeding difficulties — don’t wait and see if it “goes away.” Early evaluation makes a huge difference.
Book a chiropractic and lactation consult (in-person or virtual — most lactation insurances accepted):
