Unlocking Comfort: How Chiropractic and Cranial Work Can Aid Infants with Plagiocephaly

As a certified pediatric chiropractor, one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice is helping infants with brain development, especially in the early stages of development. Plagiocephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome, is a condition that can affect infants, and parents often seek holistic approaches to alleviate their little one’s discomfort. Let’s talk about the most common reason why plagiocephaly occurs and how a detailed exam and specific gentle adjustments made through chiropractic and cranial work can make a meaningful difference.

Understanding Plagiocephaly: The Cause

Plagiocephaly typically arises due to factors such as prolonged pressure on one part of the baby’s skull. This can happen when infants spend extended periods in one position, such as lying on their backs in cribs or car seats. Additionally, factors like reduced neck mobility or muscle tension can contribute to the development of plagiocephal, which is the most common cause of what we normally see. While mild cases may resolve on their own with repositioning techniques and tummy time (but don’t clear out the underlying cause via the nervous system), moderate to severe cases may benefit from professional intervention. This is why, at The Wellness Path, we have a network of professionals that work together to serve our pediatric population.

The Role of Chiropractic and Cranial Work

Pediatric chiropractors are trained (with an additional 200 hours of training) to perform gentle, non-invasive adjustments tailored to infants’ delicate bodies. In the case of plagiocephaly, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step. This evaluation may include assessing the baby’s posture, range of motion, and any areas of tension or misalignment.

Specific chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper spinal alignment and alleviate any restrictions in the baby’s musculoskeletal system. Cranial work focuses on the gentle adjustments of the skull and its sutures to improve mobility and balance within the cranial structures.

The Benefits of Gentle Adjustments

By addressing underlying issues contributing to plagiocephaly, gentle chiropractic adjustments can have several benefits for infants:

1. Improved Mobility: Adjustments can help enhance neck mobility and reduce muscular tension, allowing infants to move more freely and comfortably.
2. Enhanced Skull Symmetry: Cranial work aims to promote balanced growth of the skull, reducing the severity of flat spots and promoting a more symmetrical head shape.
3. Relief from Discomfort: Many parents notice that their babies experience relief from any discomfort associated with plagiocephaly after undergoing chiropractic and cranial sessions.
4. Support for Developmental Milestones: By promoting optimal alignment and mobility, chiropractic care can support infants as they reach developmental milestones such as crawling and sitting, while also supporting the brain to develop optimally.

Holistic Care for Infants

It’s important to note that every infant is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs. Alongside chiropractic and cranial work, parents can also incorporate strategies like repositioning techniques and supervised tummy time to encourage healthy development. Additionally, we will often recommend working with a Pediatric Physical therapist in conjunction with chiropractic care to resolve the imbalance. In our experience, we have seen things change and shift much faster when we work with other professionals.

In conclusion, chiropractic and cranial work offer gentle and effective solutions for infants with plagiocephaly. By addressing underlying issues and promoting optimal alignment, these holistic approaches can help infants thrive and find comfort in their early stages of life. If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape or overall development, consulting with a pediatric chiropractor can provide valuable insights and support.

Does My Child Have Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)?

Early signs that can lead to Plagiocephaly or Flat Head Syndrome would be seeing your child favor their head to one side vs. the other. We talked about this in an earlier blog post that we share and educate all our moms who bring their infants into our office, which is called J.E.T. syndrome. Check out an Instagram post where we dive deeper into what this is: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1cPl7PO82X/

Over time, if this is left alone, it may lead to plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome.