Traditional osteopathy in Barcelona

What is plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly is a condition that affects the shape of the skull in infantscausing a asymmetrical flattening of the head. This anomaly can be worrying for parents, however, with adequate information and early action, the effects can be mitigated or even reversed. 

It is generally associated with constant sleeping positions or limitations of movement. In recent years, awareness of the condition has increased, as have the options for prevention and treatment.

It is essential to educate parents about the importance of early detection and repositioningwhich may be simple but are crucial for healthy skull development. In addition, the professional interventionas the paediatric osteopathycan be recommended for guiding the natural growth of the skull and ensure an optimal result.

Photo of hands around a baby's head to illustrate osteopathy as a way to prevent plagycephaly.

Are you worried that your baby has a misshapen head?

In general, parents are strongly advised to to bring your baby for a post-delivery check-up and follow up on progress.

 

Osteopathy can help

to correct this deformity in your child. Through gentle, non-invasive manipulations, the osteopath can relieve the tensions that cause this deformity.

Prevalence of the preferred position

in infants, which can result in increased cranial deformity over time and lead to the plagiocephaly.

Preventive actions

consult early if you notice that your baby has a preference for one side, in order to act quickly and avoid plagiocephaly, which usually becomes visible at 3/4 months.

Why does plagiocephaly occur?

Understanding mild plagiocephaly and its causes

Plagiocephaly can develop for a number of reasons, many of which are related to positional and environmental factors. The most common causes include:

Baby lying down to illustrate plagiocephaly
Mother and baby laughing

Constant pressure

The flattening can occur when the baby spends a lot of time in a position that puts pressure on a specific part of the skull. This is particularly common since it has been recommended that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Tortícongenital colis

Some babies prefer to turn their heads to one side rather than the other, either for comfort or because of conditions where there is a tension o shortening of the neck muscles.

Osteoarticular pain

At the level of the central axis: cervical pain, lumbago, back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, cruralgia, cervico-brachial neuralgia,...

In the extremities: arthrosis and pain in the ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, shoulder, etc.

Cranial problems

Dolores headaches, migraines, vertigo, recent tinnitus, temporomandibular joint blockages, eye strain, teeth falling out due to the use of dental appliances,...

Chronic ENT problems

Angina, sinusitis, cough, respiratory problems, tinnitus, chronic bronchitis, ear infections...

Plagiocephaly in infants : the importance of early diagnosis

The diagnosisóEarly diagnosis of plagiocephaly is essential for effective treatment.

Detection and prevention

Early recognition of signs of plagiocephaly allows the implementation of preventive techniques to avoid its progression.

Development orptimo

Early intervention ensures better chances for the baby's head to return to a more natural and symmetrical shape.

Reducing complications

Early diagnosis can reduce the need for more invasive treatments, such as the prolonged use of corrective helmets.

Baby wellbeing

Preventing aggravation of the condition contributes to the baby's overall comfort and health.


In addition to these causes, factors such as a complicated birth or the use of instruments during delivery can influence the shape of the baby's skull at birth. However, it is important to distinguish positional plagiocephaly from craniosynostosisa medical condition in which the sutures of the skull fuse prematurely, restricting skull growth and requiring surgical intervention. 

For more detailed information and specific recommendations, we suggest consulting authoritative sources, such as BabyCenter y Children's Stagewhere you can find comprehensive guidelines and practical advice on the identification and management of plagiocephaly.


Factors to consider for early diagnosis

 
  • Observe the shape of the baby's head on a regular basis.
  • Consult a paediatrician or osteopath for any asymmetry.
  • Encouraging time upside down while the baby is awake.
  • Rotate the position in which the baby sleeps and plays.
Nicolas Malécot osteopath in Barcelona with babies

Some signs include:

  • Unilateral flattening: one side of the back of the head appears flatter compared to the other side. 
  • Asymmetry of ears:  one ear may be more forward than the other due to flattening.
  • Bulging forehead: on the same side of the flattening, the forehead may appear to protrude more.
  • Lump on the back of the head: on the side opposite the flattening, a compensatory bulge may develop.

 

It is essential not only to trust not only visual observation but also touch; feeling the back of the baby's head can help to detect irregularities.

If you suspect your child might have plagiocephaly, it is crucial to consult a paediatrician or osteopath (specialised paediatrician) for a professional assessment and to discuss treatment options if necessary.

Treatments for plagiocephaly according to degree of plagiocephaly

Degree of severityRepositioningPhysiotherapyOsteopathy
Mild plagiocephalyRecommendedOptionalRecommended
Moderate plagiocephalyRecommendedRecommendedRecommended
Severe plagiocephalyInsufficientNecessaryNecessary
Plagiocephaly of the baby how to take care of your baby

Moderate plagiocephaly

In the case of the moderate plagiocephalyIn the case of the forehead, there is obvious asymmetry with minimal forehead prominence or facial asymmetry.

For these cases, The most common treatment includes the repositioning therapywhich consists of placing the baby's head in a position opposite to the deformation during sleep.

It is also possible to use motor development, stretching and mobilisation.

Severe plagiocephaly

For plagiocephaly severeThe occiput is significantly flattened, there is a protrusion of the forehead on the affected side, and the pinnae are misaligned by at least 2.5 cm. In these cases, intervention with orthopaedic helmetThe treatment includes specialised physiotherapy, including manual therapy and stretching exercises.

It is important to mention that treatment should be staggered, starting with the least invasive measures such as the repositioning y osteopathía and considering options such as the orthopaedic helmets depending on the severity and the patient's response to initial treatment.

In general if an osteopath treats infants before the age of 3 monthssevere plagiocephaly can be avoided.

How to cure severe plagiocephaly with a helmet
Curing moderate or severe plagiocephaly

How to avoid plagiocephaly: tips and practices

Treatment of plagiocephaly in infants generally focuses on corrective and preventive practices:

Osteopathic check up after birth (before the first month) and 3 month check up.

EducationóThe Committee of the Regions is pleased to note that theóThe Committee of the Regions would like to see more information for parents on how to manage and prevent the progression of the disease.óThe Committee notes that plagiocephaly is a common problem in the development of plagiocephaly.

Positioning and repositioning manoeuvres: rotate baby's sleeping position and increase tummy time during wakefulness.

Physiotherapy: exercises and techniques to improve cervical mobility and strengthen the neck muscles.

Use of orthopaedic devices: In some cases, the use of orthopaedic helmets is recommended to mould the skull symmetrically.

Each of these methods aims to take advantage of the natural ability of the baby's skull to refurbishThe aim is to promote a balanced and harmonious development.

The role of osteopathy in the treatment of plagiocephaly is of great relevance. This discipline is based on gentle manual techniques to correct cranial asymmetries, without being invasive and above all it has a preventive approach, which can treat the origin of the problem before the deformity develops.óThe Commission is also

  • Manual techniques: gentle and precise movements to release tension and promote balance in the cranial structure.
  • Holistic approach: osteopathy considers the body as a unit and looks for the origin of the asymmetry in order to treat it.

 

Osteopathy may be a viable option for treating plagiocephaly, and it is important to consult with qualified professionals.

For more information and to find specialists, you can visit websites such as the Spanish Association of Osteopathy or the Register of Osteopaths.

Nicolas is treating the baby's skull

Questions about plagiocephaly

The correction of plagiocephaly involves various strategies depending on the severity and age of the child.

In mild cases, after the osteopathic session to correct the baby's posture and release tensions, we explain to the parents how repositioning therapy is the first step, encouraging tummy time while the baby is awake and supervised.

This practice strengthens the neck and shoulder muscles and reduces pressure on the flattened part of the head.

It is essential to change the position of the baby's head while sleeping and during breastfeeding time, alternating arms for feeding and putting the baby to bed with the head turned to the side opposite the flattening.

Plagiocephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome, can vary in severity but generally does not affect a baby's brain development. However, if left untreated, it can lead to significant cosmetic problems and, in rare cases, may be associated with developmental delays or neurological complications due to prolonged pressure on one part of the skull.

In mild cases, early interventions such as repositioning therapy and strengthening of the neck muscles are usually sufficient to correct the shape of the skull. 

Failure to treat plagiocephaly can lead to permanent facial or cranial asymmetries that, in some cases, may require corrective surgery in adulthood. In addition, cranial deformity can influence a child's self-esteem and social interaction as he or she grows older. For these reasons, it is essential to consult a paediatrician if plagiocephaly is suspected to assess the need for treatment and follow-up.

To correct plagiocephaly at home, parents can adopt several strategies to help improve the shape of the baby's head and prevent further flattening:

  • Tummy time: Make sure your baby spends enough time on his tummy while awake and under supervision. This strengthens the neck muscles and promotes healthy cranial development.
  • Change sleeping position: Vary the position of your baby's head when sleeping, alternating the side to which the head is tilted to avoid continuous pressure in one spot.
  • Minimise time in car seats and baby carriers: Try to limit the time your baby spends in devices that restrict movement, such as car seats, swings and baby carriers, as these can contribute to flattening.
  • Exercises and massage: If your baby has torticollis (difficulty turning the head to one side), gentle massage and stretching exercises recommended by a physiotherapist can help improve mobility.
  • Visual and physical stimulation : use toys and activities that encourage your baby to turn his head and move, thus distributing pressure more evenly over the skull.

The main difference between plagiocephaly and brachycephaly lies in the area of the skull that is affected and the type of flattening.

The plagiocephaly is characterised by lateral flattening, usually on one side of the skull (occipital), and is often associated with congenital torticollis, which may cause one ear to appear more forward than the other and the forehead to bulge on the affected side.

The brachycephalyBrachycephaly, on the other hand, is manifested by a symmetrical flattening of the entire back of the skull, which may cause the baby's head to appear wider than normal and the ears to protrude. Brachycephaly is commonly seen in babies who spend a lot of time sleeping on their backs.

Sleeping with the head on its side can lead to asymmetrical flattening of the skull, known as positional plagiocephaly.

To prevent this, it is important to alternate the direction the baby's head turns when sleeping and to encourage supervised tummy time during the day to strengthen the neck muscles and promote balanced cranial development. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged use of devices that restrict the baby's movement, such as car seats.

To avoid plagiocephaly, it is crucial that babies sleep on their backs, but varying the position of their head to avoid constant pressure on the same spot.

It is advisable to change the position of the baby's head from one side to the other on alternate nights and to make sure that the baby has enough tummy time during the day, always under supervision.

This not only helps to prevent plagiocephaly, but also contributes to the strengthening of the neck muscles.

Limiting the time a baby spends in baby carriers, car seats and swings can reduce the constant pressure on one part of the head.

The key is balance and ensuring that the baby is not in one position for prolonged periods of time.

These answers synthesise the recommendations and findings of the sources consulted and provide you with general guidance on how to manage and prevent plagiocephaly.

For further information, I encourage you to visit the pages of the University of Navarra Clinic y EnFamilia of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics.

In addition, for specific cases or particular doubts, it is always advisable to consult directly with a paediatrician or child health specialist.

Plagiocephaly can lead to both aesthetic and functional problems if left untreated. Although in many cases the main concern is the asymmetrical appearance of the head, untreated cranial deformity can, in some cases, be associated with delays in motor and cognitive development. However, it is important to note that most of the time, plagiocephaly does not have a significant impact on the child's brain development. Early and appropriate treatment is key to minimising or preventing long-term problems.

Plagiocephaly is assessed and treated by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. The first point of contact is usually the paediatrician, who may make an initial assessment and, depending on the severity of the deformity, refer parents to additional specialists.

In more complex or severe cases, intervention by child neurologists or craniofacial surgeons may be necessary.

In addition, physiotherapists can play a crucial role in the treatment of plagiocephaly, especially when associated with torticollis, by offering exercises and therapies to improve mobility and symmetry.

For more details and specific recommendations, it is recommended that you consult the pages of Premium Rehabilitation Madrid y PlagiocephalyThe website provides a wide range of information on the diagnosis, differentiation and treatment of cranial deformities in infants.

To avoid flat head syndrome, officially known as positional plagiocephaly, it is essential to take preventive measures from birth.

The key is to minimise sustained pressure on one part of the skull, which can deform the skull due to the softness and malleability of the cranial bones in the first months of life.

Here are some recommendations based on practices suggested by experts:

 

  • Alternate head position: When the baby is lying on his or her back, alternate the direction in which the head turns each night. This helps prevent constant pressure on one side of the skull.
    Upside-down time: promotes tummy time during times when baby is awake and under supervision. This time is not only vital for baby's motor development but also reduces pressure on the back of the baby's head.
    Avoid excessive use of restraints: try to limit the time your baby spends in car seats, bouncers, swings and baby carriers, as these can contribute to flattening of the skull by restricting your baby's movement and putting constant pressure on one area.
    Promote active movement: As your baby grows, encourage physical activity and play that promotes movement, which is not only beneficial for physical development but also helps prevent constant pressure on one part of the head.
    Consultation with health professionals: If in doubt or if you notice signs of flattening in your baby's head, it is important to consult your paediatrician or a specialist for personalised advice and, if necessary, a treatment plan.

 

For more information and practical advice, you can visit authoritative sites such as the American Academy of Pediatrics y HealthyChildren.

If plagiocephaly goes untreated, there may be long-term consequences, although these vary depending on the severity and nature of the head deformity.

In many cases, untreated positional plagiocephaly can result in permanent cranial asymmetries which, although generally not affecting brain development, can have aesthetic and psychological implications for the child as he or she grows older.

In rare and more severe cases, where plagiocephaly may be associated with restricted brain growth or underlying conditions such as craniosynostosis, failure to treat the condition may have more serious implications for the child's neurological and functional development.

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improve the head shape and minimise possible consequences. Treatment may include repositioning therapy, physiotherapy, and in some cases, the use of an orthopaedic helmet to correct the deformity.

For specific advice and diagnosis, it is essential to consult a paediatrician or child health specialist. Sites such as KidsHealth y Mayo Clinic can provide additional information and guidance on this condition and its management.

The decision to use a helmet to treat plagiocephaly is considered when initial measures, such as repositioning therapy and exercises, are not effective.

Generally, this treatment is recommended in cases of moderate to severe deformity, and is most effective if started between 4 and 6 months of age, as the skull bones are still very flexible and malleable.

Helmet treatment can vary in duration, but constant follow-up by a specialist is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome.

Diagnosis of plagiocephaly is usually made by visual observation and palpation of the skull to detect any asymmetry or flattening.

In some cases, tools such as a craniometer can be used for more precise measurements.

In addition, other factors such as the presence of torticollis, which may contribute to the condition, are assessed. Early diagnosis is important to initiate appropriate treatment as early as possible to avoid long-term complications.

For more details and specific advice, I recommend that you visit the pages of Quirónsalud y JL PHYSIOSwhere you will find valuable information on these issues.

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