4 Ways Chiropractic Can Impact Baby’s Head Shape
Have you ever looked at a baby’s head and noticed a flat spot? This is called plagiocephaly and it is most commonly linked to babies laying in the same spot every time. Babies can’t move around a lot, especially as infants, so when we lay them down on their backs to play or sleep, they may favor a certain side of the head. If a baby lays one certain way all the time without turning or moving positions, it can cause this flat spot on the back of their head because of the softness of a baby’s skull. It may not seem a cause for concern, but plagiocephaly has been linked to other conditions like delays in motor skills, movement, cognitive skills, and language. Rochester Hills chiropractors Dr. Brendan Shanahan and Dr. Thomas Madigan specialize in pediatric chiropractic care that can impact a baby’s head shape in a positive and helpful way.
Relieve Pressure in the Spinal Column
The spine plays a vital role in how babies grow and develop. Misalignments of baby’s spine can put pressure on the spinal column which can affect the formation of the cranial bones. Gentle pediatric care from Dr. Shanahan and Dr. Madigan can remove spinal misalignments to relieve pressure in the spinal column so your baby’s cranial bones can develop properly.
Correct Instances of Torticollis in Infants
Because babies are often cramped in the womb, they can get used to one certain position. When babies are born, they may still favor one side, just like in the womb. Sometimes, this can affect the baby’s ability to turn their head. They will choose to lay in one position, causing a flat spot, because torticollis, or a shortened neck muscle, doesn’t allow for the necessary movement from side to side. Over time, visits to Vitality Precision Chiropractic in Rochester Hills will loosen the baby’s neck muscles and alleviate torticollis so babies can move their heads in all different directions. When babies can turn their heads more easily, they will be less likely to want to lay in one spot and can avoid a flat spot from developing.
Allow for Different Positioning
Babies with a healthy spine are stronger and are able to turn their head to different positions much sooner than other babies. Counter positioning, turning baby in different positions, may be a parents job at first as baby is getting stronger. But soon enough, a baby will be able to reposition themselves so that they aren’t always laying in one spot. Chiropractic care is a great way to make sure the spine is strong and health so baby can move around with ease as they grow.
Improve Feeding Times
Spinal misalignments in babies can wreak all kinds of havoc on the function of their little bodies. It can even affect the baby’s ability to nurse. Babies with spinal misalignments may prefer to nurse only on one side. When babies spend too much time on one side, they can begin to show signs of plagiocephaly. Dr. Shanahan and Dr. Madigan can gently and safely adjust your baby which can not only improve their
ability to nurse, but also allow them move their heads more easily, preventing worry of a flat spot developing.
If you notice a flat spot beginning on your baby’s head, don’t worry! Take the necessary steps to help your baby be more comfortable in different positions and schedule a visit to Vitality Precision Chiropractic today.