Plagiocephaly is an abnormal or deformed shape of the skull. It can occur although a baby is in the womb due to compression from the cranium (head) by lying in 1 position for any length of time, being engaged for a long time, a long labour with a hard birth, or when the infant gets stuck while contractions are still occurring. Untreated the effect of abnormal forces because of dural strain may lead to torticollis (shortening and spasm of the sterno-cleido-mastiod muscle) or scoliosis (lateral deviation from the spine), both important considerations for growth and development. As stated by Luciano Nocetti, If of intra-uterine trigger it is going to be obvious at birth. However occasionally it’s not observed until 4-6 weeks and is then much more likely post-natal in origin. Usually with the back to sleep programme some babies are lying on their backs in one position for any long time. The sustained pressure on malleable bones of the skull can result in a flattening at the back of the head or on 1 side. It may also be due to a tightening of muscles on one side from the neck or spinal tension restricting neck mobility, leading a baby to favour liking with it head to one side all of the time, resulting in the flattening from the skull. Osteopathic examination by an osteopata would consider how the flattening has occurred. If it is because of the forces of labour, the effects tend to be mechanical; the trigger will lie in a bony and membranous strain. The condyles, joints in the base of the skull onto the neck, are often affected, as is the top of the neck. This is definitely an important junctional area which resolves the forces of the head and also the cervical spine and may be the weakest region within the spine when the force of labour contractions does not produce movement via the birth canal. The priority of treatment is the resolution of any mechanical strains or abnormal tensions maintaining the distortion of the cranial bones. Cranial osteopathy has good outcomes for function and look, achieved by releasing strains within the neck and head, and giving balance towards the membranes. Advice will be given to parents with ideas on how you can assist at house. Generally plagiocephaly won’t have serious long-term outcomes other than cosmetic look, as lengthy as the membranes feel comfortable and there are no obvious stresses remaining. Nevertheless inside a couple of untreated instances there may be bony distortion, developmental delay, palpable bony prominence and an abnormal pattern of hair growth. We have practitioners in the clinic who are experienced in treating plagiocephaly, and are happy to give you an honest opinion and great guidance. Anticipate it to take 2-3 osteopatia treatments prior to change is noticed in head shape, although related symptoms may alter much more quickly.
Sep 03