Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly is partial flattening of the back of the head, which gives a slightly distorted look to the head. It may also cause misalignment of the ears and eyes.

Plagiocephaly does not cause any medical problems in later life, however, misalignments of the skull resulting from plagiocephaly may contribute to headaches and migraines, jaw and dental problems.

Brachycephaly is where the whole back of the head is flattened (occasionally the forehead is also flat).

Both are more common in boys. External pressure on the skull causes the distortion which often resolves with time and osteopathic treatment.

Contributing factors include sleeping on the back, compression in the womb and during birth, prematurity and torticollis (‘wry neck’)

As 80% of cranial growth occurs before the child is 1, treatment is most effective within that time.

Paediatric osteopathy is combined with advice on repositioning and stretching.

After the paediatric osteopath has finished taking a case history, finding out about the birth and performing a gentle structural examination, treatment is given.

This involves the application of specific gentle release techniques on the head, torso, pelvis or limbs to encourage the body to release strain patterns and return to a more balanced, more normal state.

Parents often find that when the osteopath has gently released any tensions in the baby’s neck and body, there are secondary, indirect benefits for many babies.

Osteopathy

REPOSITIONING

This aims to reduce the external pressure on one area and encourage the head to round out on the flat side. You can use a rolled-up towel to prevent the baby from resting its head on the flat spot.

We also recommend you place cot toys, mobiles, toys on car seats on the opposite side to the ‘flat’ side to encourage the baby to spend time on the side that is not flattened. Changing baby’s nappy on the opposite side to the side they customarily look also helps.

TUMMY TIME

Encouraging ‘tummy time’ is also very important. Babies should be put on their tummy for a few minutes every day - building up the time gradually.

STRETCHES

Your Health Visitor or Paediatric Osteopath will show you the right way to stretch your babies neck to help release the tight muscles of the neck that can accompany plagiocephaly.

CORRECTIVE HELMETS

The osteopath will tell you if this is necessary. Most children we see with plagiocephaly do NOT need a corrective helmet. There are a few specialist suppliers in London that fit helmets should they be needed. This will be discussed by the osteopath at the initial consultation and later, after a course of treatment if needed.

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