Osteopathy and Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly)
Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly)
Plagiocephaly is an abnormal or deformed shape of the skull. It can happen while a baby is in the womb due to compression of the cranium (head) by lying in one position for a length of time, being engaged for a long time, a long labour with a difficult birth, or when the baby gets stuck while contractions are still occurring. Untreated the effect of abnormal forces due to dural strain may lead to torticollis (shortening and spasm of the sterno-cleido–mastiod muscle) or scoliosis (lateral deviation of the spine), both important considerations for growth and development.
If of intra-uterine cause it will be obvious at birth. However sometimes it is not noticed until 4-6 weeks and is then more likely post-natal in origin. Typically with the back to sleep programme some babies are lying on their backs in one position for a long time. The sustained pressure on malleable bones of the skull can result in a flattening at the back of the head or on one side. It may also be due to a tightening of muscles on one side of the neck or spinal tension restricting neck mobility, leading a baby to favour liking with it head to one side all the time, resulting in the flattening of the skull.
Osteopathic examination would consider how the flattening has occurred. If it is due to the forces of labour, the effects tend to be mechanical; the cause will lie in a bony and membranous strain. The condyles, joints at the base of the skull onto the neck, are often affected, as is the top of the neck. This is an important junctional area which resolves the forces of the head and the cervical spine and is the weakest area in the spine when the force of labour contractions does not produce movement through 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 appearance, achieved by releasing strains in the neck and head, and giving balance to the membranes. Advice will be given to parents with ideas on how to help at home.
Generally plagiocephaly will not have serious long-term outcomes other than cosmetic appearance, as long as the membranes feel comfortable and there are no obvious stresses remaining. However in a few untreated cases there may be bony distortion, developmental delay, palpable bony prominence and an abnormal pattern of hair growth.
We have practitioners at the clinic who are experienced in treating plagiocephaly, and are happy to give you an honest opinion and good advice. Expect it to take 2-3 treatments before change is noticed in head shape, although related symptoms may change more quickly.
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