Pediatric Chiropractic Care In Plano, TX For Torticollis Relief
Understanding Torticollis in Children — and How Chiropractic Care Can Help Naturally
Torticollis, often called “wry neck,” is a condition where a child’s head tilts to one side and their chin rotates to the opposite direction. It can appear at birth (congenital torticollis) or develop later due to muscular tension, positioning, or spinal misalignment.
Parents often notice that their baby prefers looking one way, struggles with tummy time, or has a flat spot forming on one side of the head. In older children, torticollis can lead to neck stiffness, discomfort, and difficulty maintaining good posture.
At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we help children overcome torticollis by focusing on gentle, neurologically based chiropractic adjustments that relieve muscle tension, correct spinal alignment, and restore normal nerve communication — all without medication or invasive procedures.
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Looking for natural chiropractic care in Plano, TX? At Vita Nova, we specialize in restoring your body’s balance through personalized, holistic treatment. Schedule your visit today and start your path to healing.
What Causes Torticollis in Infants and Children?
Torticollis can develop for several reasons, but most often it involves irritation or imbalance in the neck’s muscles and joints, which affects how the brain and body communicate. Common causes include:
1. Birth Trauma or Positioning
Long labor, forceps delivery, or being “stuck” in one position in the womb can strain the neck muscles and upper cervical spine, leading to tightness on one side.
2. Muscle Imbalance (Sternocleidomastoid Tightness)
The sternocleidomastoid muscle, which connects the collarbone to the skull, may shorten or spasm, pulling the head to one side and limiting motion.
3. Spinal Misalignment (Subluxation)
A misalignment in the upper cervical vertebrae can irritate nerves that control muscle tone and posture, causing persistent tilt or rotation.
4. Prolonged Positioning
Extended time in car seats, swings, or sleeping on one side can reinforce imbalanced posture, especially in infants with developing muscles.
5. Neurological Tension or Developmental Delays
If the nervous system isn’t communicating effectively, muscle coordination can be disrupted — making it difficult for the neck muscles to work evenly.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Torticollis
Head tilted to one side, chin rotated to the other
One shoulder higher than the other
Flat spot (plagiocephaly) on one side of the head
Difficulty breastfeeding on one side
Fussiness when turning the head
Delays in rolling or crawling
Tightness or tenderness in the neck
If untreated, torticollis can affect head shape, visual tracking, and even balance or coordination later in childhood.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Children with Torticollis
Chiropractic care focuses on removing interference in the nervous system and restoring normal spinal motion. For children with torticollis, gentle, specific adjustments help the neck move freely again and allow the muscles to relax symmetrically.
At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we use a neurologically focused pediatric approach — no twisting, popping, or forceful movements. Each adjustment is carefully tailored to the child’s age, size, and comfort level.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Torticollis
Restores proper neck alignment and range of motion
Reduces muscle tension and asymmetry
Supports proper head and neck development
Promotes balanced nervous system function
Improves comfort during feeding, tummy time, and sleep
Helps prevent flattening of the skull
The Brain-Body Connection — Why Torticollis Affects More Than Just the Neck
Your child’s nervous system controls every muscle, including those that keep the head upright. When spinal misalignments (subluxations) occur in the upper neck, they can interfere with communication between the brain and the body. This leads to uneven muscle tone, limited motion, and compensation patterns throughout the spine.
By gently realigning the cervical spine, chiropractic adjustments help restore this communication. As the nervous system relaxes, the muscles begin to function evenly, and your child’s posture can return to normal.
How Subluxations Contribute to Torticollis
Subluxations are small but significant misalignments in the spine that affect nerve function. In torticollis, subluxations in the upper cervical region (C1–C2) can cause:
Nerve irritation leading to muscle spasms
Reduced joint motion and stiffness
Compensatory head tilt or rotation
Discomfort that makes babies resist turning one way
Chiropractic adjustments correct these subluxations, helping the muscles release and allowing full, comfortable motion of the neck.
The Benefits of Early Chiropractic Intervention
Early evaluation and gentle care can make a big difference for babies and children with torticollis. When addressed early:
Head shape development improves
Breastfeeding becomes easier
Mobility milestones (rolling, crawling) occur on schedule
The nervous system develops more evenly
Long-term postural imbalances are prevented
Even for older children, chiropractic care helps restore mobility, improve posture, and prevent recurring tightness or compensations.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Chiropractic and Torticollis Relief
Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (2009) Case reports showed significant improvement in infants with congenital torticollis following gentle chiropractic adjustments, with full range of motion restored after several visits.
JMPT – Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2011) Research highlighted chiropractic care’s role in managing musculoskeletal conditions in infants, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness for issues like torticollis and plagiocephaly.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (2016) A study reported improved symmetry, sleep, and feeding patterns in infants treated with gentle spinal adjustments for neck restriction and muscle imbalance.
Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing (2018) Findings indicated that chiropractic care for infants with muscular torticollis reduced neck stiffness, improved comfort, and enhanced quality of life for both child and parent.
Our Approach at Vita Nova Chiropractic
Our pediatric chiropractic approach is designed to restore balance, comfort, and normal function in a safe, supportive environment.
Comprehensive Consultation
We start by reviewing your child’s health history, birth details, and current symptoms.Neurological & Spinal Assessment
Using gentle motion and reflex testing, we assess the spine and nervous system for imbalances or restricted motion.Gentle, Specific Adjustments
We use light touch and specialized pediatric techniques to correct spinal misalignments, helping muscles relax and posture rebalance.Ongoing Support & Monitoring
We track your child’s progress and provide recommendations for tummy time, stretching, and positioning to maintain healthy development.
Our goal is to help your child move freely, develop symmetrically, and thrive without discomfort.
Why Choose Vita Nova Chiropractic?
Specialized training in pediatric and family chiropractic care
Gentle, safe, and age-appropriate techniques
Focus on nervous system balance and healthy development
Personalized care plans for each child
Family-friendly, supportive environment
A holistic, drug-free approach to wellness
At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life — free from unnecessary tension and discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions — Torticollis & Chiropractic Care
Is chiropractic care safe for babies with torticollis?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic adjustments use extremely gentle, fingertip pressure — similar to testing the ripeness of a tomato. They’re safe, comfortable, and specifically designed for infants.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Many infants show visible improvement in movement and comfort within a few visits. The exact timeline depends on the severity and how long the condition has been present.
Can chiropractic help if my child already does physical therapy?
Absolutely. Chiropractic care complements physical therapy by ensuring the nervous system and spine are aligned for optimal progress.
Is torticollis only an infant condition?
No. Older children can also develop torticollis due to posture, injuries, or muscle tension — chiropractic care helps restore proper motion at any age.
Ready to Help Your Child Move Freely Again?
If your child struggles with head tilt, neck tightness, or uneven posture, chiropractic care offers a safe and natural way to restore balance and comfort.
Call Vita Nova Chiropractic today to schedule your child’s evaluation and help them move, grow, and thrive naturally.
Disclaimer
We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.
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Welcome To Vita Nova Chiropractic
Gentle, Effective Care for the Whole Family
At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we care for every stage of life — from expecting mothers to growing kids and busy parents. Our neurologically based chiropractic care helps restore balance to the body, supporting better sleep, stronger immunity, and natural energy for the whole family.
Whether it’s easing tension, improving posture, or helping your little one feel their best, our gentle adjustments are safe, effective, and personalized to your family’s needs.
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Welcome To Vita Nova Chiropractic
Redefine Normal. Experience Health.
At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we help you reconnect with your body’s natural ability to heal. Our caring team provides precise, neurologically-based chiropractic care designed to restore balance, improve function, and help you feel your best—inside and out.
Through focused adjustments and personalized care plans, we help align the body’s communication systems so you can move, think, and live with clarity. Because when your nervous system works as it should, your entire body can thrive.
Find relief, restore balance, and experience the difference at Vita Nova Chiropractic.
🔹 Serving Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX.
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Mon – Wed: 9:30am – 12:30pm, 3:00pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30am – 12:30am