Torticollis: What Is it, and How Is it Treated? A Beginner's FAQ
There are 77,000 chiropractors in the United States who are required to pass a series of four national board exams and be state licensed. Roughly another 3,000 chiropractors work in academic and management roles. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that chiropractic specialists have experience with a wide variety of treatment areas. Torticollis is a condition that makes it difficult or painful to move or rotate the neck, and while it's seen in people of all ages, it tends to be more common in infants. Here's a quick FAQ to help you understand the basics of Torticollis.
What is infant Torticollis?
As mentioned, infant torticollis is a condition that can make it difficult for a newborn to move their neck properly. It's usually a result of the infant's positioning within the womb prior to birth. It also often occurs after a complicated childbirth. Keep in mind that Torticollis presents itself in many different ways, but it typically involves some form of neck discomfort.
What causes Torticollis?
The causes of Torticollis are still relatively unknown. As mentioned, the condition is affected by the positioning of the infant in the womb, but other than that, it's diagnosed and treated on a case by case basis.
"No one knows why some babies get Torticollis and others don't. Most doctors believe it could be related to the cramping of a fetus inside the uterus or abnormal positioning (such as being in the breech position, where the baby's buttocks face the birth canal). The use of forceps or vacuum devices to deliver a baby during childbirth also makes a baby more likely to develop it," says KidsHealth.
How is Torticollis treated?
More than 1 million chiropractic adjustments are given every day, all over the world. If your infant is displaying signs that you feel may be related to Torticollis, visit a doctor or chiropractor right away to receive the proper care.
Ultimately, 95% of past-year chiropractic users say it's effective, and 97% of past-year chiropractic users are likely to see a chiropractor if they have neck/back pain. Understanding the full range of services that chiropractic specialists can provide is the best way to take advantage of the many treatments that are available to you. For more information about chiropractic care professionals, contact Garden State Spinal Care.
