Torticollis

Torticollis — the involuntary tilting or rotating of the head to one side — responds well to gentle chiropractic care that addresses the cervical and craniosacral restrictions driving the condition.

What Is Torticollis?

Torticollis is characterized by a lateral head tilt and rotation to one side, caused by spasm or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. In infants, congenital muscular torticollis typically results from positioning in utero or compressive forces during delivery. In adults, acute torticollis can develop from sleeping awkwardly, cervical subluxation, or whiplash. Upper cervical misalignment — particularly atlas subluxation — is the primary chiropractic finding in torticollis, as the atlas controls the proprioceptive balance between left and right neck muscles. Correcting atlas positioning allows the SCM to relax and the head to return to neutral.

Common Symptoms

Head consistently tilted to one side and rotated toward the opposite shoulder
Limited range of motion turning the head in one direction
Palpable tightness or a firm lump in the SCM muscle
Facial asymmetry in infants (plagiocephaly) from persistent positional preference
Feeding preference for one breast side in nursing infants
Neck pain and muscle soreness in adults

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Atlas (C1) subluxation creating muscle tone asymmetry
In utero positioning (common in multiple gestations or breech)
Birth trauma from forceps, vacuum, or prolonged labor
SCM muscle tearing or hematoma during delivery
Acute adult onset from sudden movement or sleeping position
Cervical disc herniation causing protective muscle spasm

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Torticollis

For infant torticollis, Dr. Foss uses feather-light craniosacral and upper cervical corrections to restore atlas alignment and release the dural tension contributing to SCM imbalance. Parents are taught gentle home stretching exercises to complement in-office treatment. For adult torticollis, SOT upper cervical adjustments are combined with myofascial release to the affected SCM and suboccipital muscles. Results are typically rapid — most patients notice significant improvement in cervical rotation within the first two to four sessions. Early treatment prevents the secondary complications of torticollis, including plagiocephaly in infants.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Torticollis?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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