Plagiocephalyis a condition that may to some, appear to be just a cosmetic problem. It describes a misshapen head that can be caused prior to, or during birth, or from torticollis, a condition that causes a baby to favour turning the head and neck in one direction. However, as Northern Beaches chiropractor Dr. Rachael Veronesipoints out, a third cause, has become more prevalent in Australia since the introduction of the SIDS campaign in 1992, designed to get babies to sleep on their backs instead of their side or tummy. All these causes of Plagiocephaly result from mechanical forces pressing on the baby’s rapidly growing skull.
Brookvale Chiropractor, Rachael Veronesi, goes on to say, that for parents, deciding whether to go ahead and get treatment for an infant affected by Plagiocephaly, might, in the past, have come down solely to the degree of cosmetic effect of the condition. However, scientific literature is beginning to provide more information about a variety of functional deficits affecting eyes, ears, jaw and motor control as well as an increased risk of delay in hitting the cognitive milestones that seem to be closely associated with deformational plagiocephaly.
This new information on the risk of long term functional deficits that might potentially affect a child’s correct development are leading more and more parents to seek Chiropractic help. If your child is showing signs of this condition, getting an early assessment from a qualified practitioner should be your first step. Please call Neurobalance Chiropractic practice now on 02 9938 5456 to arrange an appointment. We can help by correcting these structural and functional problems and help you, help your child to reach his or her, full potential.
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
Chiropractic treatment for plagiocephaly is so gentle that it is safe for infants from newborn. It involves restoring the normal range of movement to the neck where torticollis is a problem by using gentle, passive joint and muscle work. To help restore the correct head shape, cranial bone remoulding,a very safe form of therapyis used. This term might sound a little dramatic but it describes a procedure that many babies sleep through!
Self Help Tips To Use At Home
Parentsof an affected infant, seeking help for the cosmetic effects of plagiocephaly and for the potential functional and cognitive problems that may be associated are relieved to find that not only is Chiropractic treatment for the condition, safe, gentle and effective, but that there are also a number of things they can do at home to help their child. Contact your Northern Beaches Chiropractor at the Neurobalance Clinic today on 02 9938 5456 to find out more.