I Need Help for Tilted Neck for My 4 Mth Old Son.

My son was born forceps-assisted, which created problems for his neck. Fortunately, I had a doula for his birth, and she recommended chiropractic, which I would not have thought of! People think it's weird, but it really works, and is so gentle. The chiropractor just lightly taps with one finger when it is a baby he or she is adjusting. This corrected the problem for my son. I know others in similar situations who didn't get similar advice-they did pt, and had to buy expensive devices, and it sometimes took a long time and lots of money to correct the problem. My son did have to go to the chiropractor a few times, but I was so glad I did it.

The chiropractor I went to is in Montclair. If you're anywhere near, shoot me an e-mail and I can give you her contact info--she worked on my son when he was five days old, and works on newborns and babies all the time. And she's also a nurse.

Best wishes for health for your family!

i would definately look into chiropractic...it is one of the best things you cna do for a child!!

Hi,
I'm sorry you are going through this. It doesn't sound like your ped is taking it seriously enough. If I were you I'd get a second opinion. What is your baby sleeping in, sometimes mine will tilt to one side if he's in his bouncy chair or something like that. Good luck!

K.

hello,
have you tried holding him in the opposite direction when you are feeding him? sometimes we let our dominant hand/arm take over most of the baby chores, such as feeding & changing in the direction that is most comfortable for us. try switching sides with him, even put him into the crib the opposite way than he usually sleeps, see if this will train his head and neck to turn the other way. i know that their little heads can flatten as well if they don't change their positions now and then. good luck, hope this helps!

Hi A.,

I would definitely look for a second opinion right away. My best friend's daughter had also demonstrated some strange physical sypmtoms with her neck and holding her head up when she was only a few months old and the doctors kept telling her that she will get stronger and will outgrow it. She never did. The mom whished she would have known and started physical therapy sooner.

Where do you live? I have recommendation for an excellent pediatric physical therapist in Somerset County, NJ.

C.

A.-

It sounds like your son may have a condition known as torticollis. It is definately treatable and you are smart to seek therapy services. Children's Specialized Hospital offers wonderful outpatient physical therapy services. I also agree that you should seek out a new pediatrician as yours is not taking this treatable condition seriously.

Someone else also offered some good advice about positioning. You should definately try putting him on his right side as much as possible to stretch the neck muscles on the left (which may be tight, which would explain why the head is tilted in that direction)

best of luck to you! you sound like a smart woman, so whatever you do, follow your instincts!