Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Congenital Infant Muscular Cervical Torticollis

Donald Gerken, DC, CACCP, CST

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Abstract

Objective: To describe the chiropractic care of a patient with congenital infant muscular cervical torticollis with additional symptoms of colic, gastric
reflux and constipation.

Clinical Features: A six week old boy was provided chiropractic care at the request of his mother for complaints of cervical torticollis, colic, gastric reflux and constipation. Prior to entry into the chiropractic management, manual stretching was performed with negative results. The diagnosis of congenital infant muscular cervical torticollis was made by his pediatrician who referred the patient for chiropractic care.

Intervention and Outcome: The patient was cared for with spinal manipulative therapy to the regions of the cervical and upper thoracic spine, along with craniosacral therapy to relax the dura and soft tissue structures surrounding the occiput and jugular foramen. The patient’s response to care was positive and after six weeks of treatment his symptoms abated completely.

Conclusion: There are indications that infants suffering from congenital
muscular cervical torticollis as presented in this case may benefit from spinal manipulative therapy and craniosacral therapy.