Fallon, JM; Fysh, PN; Chiropractic Care of the Newborn With Congenital Torticollis Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1997 Jan ; 2(1): 116-21

Abstract: Objective: To discuss the various causes of congenital torticollis in the newborn infant and to present an approach to the chiropractic management of torticollis based on the authors' experience. Method: Congenital torticollis has been estimated to affect approximately two percent of newborn infants. The frank breech birthing position has been reportedly associated with the highest incidence of torticollis, with up to 34 percent of infants born in this position being affected. It has been suggested that a fetal posture with both the knees and the cervical spine extended is responsible for much of the high incidence of congenital torticollis resulting in stretching of the sternocleidomastoid muscle during the delivery process. The most common type of congenital torticollis is that associated with subluxation of the upper-cervical spine. Chiropractic management of congenital torticollis is primarily directed at reducing cervical spine subluxations, which have been identified as commonly, present with this condition. Chiropractic evaluation and management techniques appropriate for this condition are described. Conclusions: Chiropractic management of congenital torticollis, using a combination of spinal adjustments, cranial re-alignment and soft tissue therapies can produce rapid resolution in many cases of congenital torticollis and plagiocephaly in the newborn infant. Spinal adjustments have been demonstrated to be efficacious to the resolution of the congenital torticollis. Before commencing a course of conservative spinal care however, accurate identification of the cause of the torticollis must be made to rule out complicating conditions, which may result in high morbidity or mortality. The typical course of spinal adjustments for torticollis is usually of short duration requiring just a few treatments. Early correction of congenital torticollis should be the goal since prolonged contraction of the SCM can be the cause of cranial and facial anomalies as well as scoliosis. The medical approach to a protracted torticollis is surgical intervention. While surgical intervention is typically a solution of last resort, it is frequently the only solution considered by the medical community. Chiropractic care is considered essential to the health and maintenance of the child's spine and nervous system. It is therefore important that the doctor of chiropractic become part of the multi-disciplinary team and that medical doctors become aware of chiropractic management as a solution to the most common causes of congenital torticollis.