What is torticollis?
Torticollis — literally "twisted neck" — is a condition in which a baby consistently turns or tilts their head to one side. It usually shows up in the first weeks or months of life and is one of the most common reasons pediatricians refer infants to chiropractic and physical therapy.
Signs of torticollis in an infant
- Head consistently tilted to one shoulder
- Strong preference for looking one direction
- Difficulty latching on one side during nursing
- A palpable tight band or "knot" in the sternocleidomastoid muscle
- Flat spot developing on the back or side of the head (plagiocephaly)
The earlier it's addressed, the easier and faster the resolution tends to be.
Common causes
- In-utero positioning — limited space in the final trimester
- Birth stress — especially vacuum, forceps, or unusually long second stage of labor
- Habitual positioning — prolonged car seat, bouncer, or back-sleeping on one side
How chiropractic fits into torticollis care
Pediatric chiropractic is highly complementary to physical therapy. We focus on the joints of the upper cervical spine, cranial bones, and soft tissue. PT focuses on active range-of-motion retraining and strengthening. The two together — plus tummy time at home — tend to produce faster results than any single modality alone.
At Fika:
- We assess. Upper-cervical motion, cranial alignment, thoracic and clavicular mobility.
- We adjust, gently. Single-finger pressure, less force than checking a ripe tomato.
- We release. Gentle soft-tissue work on the affected muscles.
- We coach. Positioning, tummy time, babywearing, and carrier use — all adjusted to help your baby move toward the non-preferred side.
What progress looks like
Typical milestones over 2–4 months:
- Full head rotation both directions
- Symmetrical latch during feeding
- Head-shape improvement (when addressed early)
- Resolution of the "preferred side" pattern
When to also involve your pediatrician
If you notice:
- Escalating asymmetry or a rapidly worsening flat spot
- Any new neurological concern (limited eye movement, significant weakness)
- No improvement after 4–6 weeks of care
...loop your pediatrician and consider a referral to a specialist or imaging if warranted.
Reach out
We work with newborns and infants across the East Bay. Explore our infant chiropractic page, , or read about .