As a parent, you may have noticed your baby developing a flattening of the back of head and wondered does it matter?
This flattening is called Deformational Plagiocephaly. I have noticed a rapid rise in the number or mums and dads who bring their babies into my office for this. One of the main reasons is due to the American Pediatric Associations ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign of the early nineties. While it is important for babies to sleep on their backs, there are things that can be done to help prevent or correct the effects of this on their head shape. Another cause of Plagiocephaly is in utero constraints or pressure in utero from multiple births, breech position, small or misaligned maternal pelvis or even premature babies. A babies head is heavy and soft; birth places a significant strain on a baby’s head and neck. Plagiocephaly may develop soon after birth especially if there is an underlying imbalance on the neck or cranial-dural system. This can create a head position preference while sleeping.
Often parents are told that Plagiocephaly is just an aesthetic issue and there is nothing to be concerned about.
The research indicates there is an association between Plagiocephaly and developmental delays. These delays may affect your child in the areas of motor development, cognition and learning.
Baby’s brains develop rapidly-the care they receive plays a vital role.
As a chiropractor, I assess your baby’s spine and cranial-dural system for imbalances, postural asymmetry and restrictions in head turning. I take measurement of the babies skull so we can assess the progress after a course of care, we also take photographs pre and post care to document change. Care consists of gentle postural and spinal alignment to help improve movement and function.
Ideally, it is best to bring them into the office before 3 months to have the greatest impact on change. Between 3-6 months is okay and from 6-9 months, the changes are slower but still important.
I also give homework. There are many things that can be done at home to coincide with the care they are receiving at the office to help create a change in head shape.
This is what one of my clients had to say.
My daughter had flat head and was 9 months when I first approached Nita. We saw Nita during the time I was in London. Living abroad, I always struggled to find a chiropractor that dealt with flat head. Nita was a blessing in disguise! At the initial appointment, my daughters head measurements were taken from the Glabella between the eye to the external occipital protuberance (EOP) on the right and left. The left was measured at 23cm and the right at 20cm. After a course of care, measurements were taken again and she was 22cm on the left and 22cm on right. Her head shape changed during this time and there were noticeable improvements. I would highly recommend Nita, she is a wonderful person inside and out and excellent with children of all ages.
If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape please call our office or email us to get in touch.
0203 538 0610 or 07825818315
www.vibrantchiropractic.co.uk
vibrantchiropracticuk@gmail.com