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Copyright 2013 QUIRO NATELIA S.L.
Flat Head Syndrome in the newborn
To make an appointment with one of our chiropractors in any
of our clinics (Alicante or Denia), please call 965 200 005
Since the rise in assisted births and c-cut deliveries, flat head syndrome, also known as positional plagiocephaly, has become a common problem in newborns and if left untreated, in the most severe cases, it can affect normal brain development.
Traumas to the cervical spine of the baby during the delivery process result in muscle stiffness and restriction to the normal range of motion in the baby's neck. This in turn leads the baby to prefer one side to the other for turning the head when lying or sleeping supine.
This positional preference, at a time of quick bone formation and growth, can result in the flattening of the posterior lateral side of the head on the preferred side for head rotation.
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The longer the problem is left untreated the more difficult the recovery, with the potential window for correction closing between 9 and 12 months.
The most common medical approach to correcting positional plagiocephaly is the use of helmets and molded mattresses to prevent the baby to turn to the incorrect position. These interventions can be expensive, invasive, emotionally traumatic, and unfortunately do not solve the cause of the problem, namely the restrictions in the cervical spine.
Fortunately, gentle chiropractic treatment of the baby neck has been shown by numerous research studies to be extremely effective at restoring cervical range of motion removing the cause of the problem and allowing for the baby's body to progressively correct the misshapen head through growth.
Moreover, parents are encouraged to reduce pressure on the head by starting tummy time soon after birth and gradually increasing it over time. The baby's room and car seat can also be arranged as to promote looking to the non-preferred side.
If you notice the shape of your baby's head to be asymmetrical or flattened on one side have him/her examined today by one of our chiropractors, as they might be able to help!
