Chiropractic Round 3 for Torticollis: Progress Pictures

Based on the results of the thermal scans, Kellyn's third round of chiropractic adjustments reduced a significant amount of nerve compression. Although encouraging news, I remind myself of the original reason I sought out chiropractic in the first place: torticollis. So the real question is whether or not the adjustments improved her mild (yet so stubborn) torticollis. Its tricky to assess for myself, as her torticollis presentation over the past few months is mild, subtle, and fleeting. One moment she's significantly tilting her head, the next moment her head is perfectly midline. Even by the time I grab my camera to snap a pic of her tilting, the tilt will disappear that fast. Anyways, here are some pictures of Kellyn at the beginning and end of chiropractic round 3.

After 1st Adjustment of Chiropractic Round 3 (9/05/2014):

Head tilt not too visible here

Re-Scan After 6 Chiropractic Adjustments

After six chiropractic adjustments, Kellyn was due for a re-scan of her back to see if her prescribed treatment had made a difference.  The Rolling Thermal Scan is the official name of the scanning assessment tool that the chiropractor utilized.  The device is rolled up the back and it assesses nerve compression caused by vetebral sublaxations.  As a person unlikely to trust anecdotal evidence (especially when it comes to alternative medicine), I was excited to have an objective measure to evaluate progress.   I honestly was feeling a little skeptical that the adjustments were going to cause any significant change in the scan results.  However, I was pleasantly surprised by the Rolling Thermal Scan results.

'Before' and 'After' results of the Rolling Thermal Scan

Restarting Torticollis Exercises & Chiropractic

So a year has passed since Kellyn was first diagnosed with torticollis. I mentioned previously that her PT was pleased with her improvement and gave us the OK to stop doing her torticollis exercises at home. However, I'm still not entirely satisfied with Kellyn's head positioning. I notice that she has a habit of slightly tilting her head on a regular basis. In addition, I have noticed her restarting her bad habit of curving her body into a c-shape. For the amount of time and energy poured into her treatment, I would have thought her head tilt and trunk curvature would have been entirely eliminated. Therefore, I decided to start doing her torticollis exercises with her again. I dedicate about ten minutes each morning to her exercises. Now that she's a very active and mobile toddler, its a lot more difficult to get her to cooperate with the exercises. I basically get her distracted with TV and run through our little torticollis exercise routine.

This slight right tilt is Kellyn's normal. It's obviously very mild, but enough for me to notice.

Video: Chiropractic Adjustment for Torticollis

I wanted to share this video of my daughter receiving a chiropractic adjustment to treat her right torticollis.  At the end of the adjustment, the chiropractor also answers some general questions that may arise for parents considering chiropractic care for their child.  I know many parents (myself included) feel apprehensive about having their child adjusted.  Parents considering this treatment option want to make a well-researched and informed decision.  I made this video to help give parents an idea of what they possibly could expect at this type of appointment.



I spent several months of doing physical therapy with Kellyn before I seriously considered supplementing with chiropractic.  After months of twice weekly PT sessions and torticollis exercises at home, I wasn't seeing the level of improvement that I had expected.  I had spoken to several parents who shared great success with doing both physical therapy and chiropractic.  After speaking to these parents, researching chiropractic myself, and praying about this option, I felt the peace I needed to move forward with this treatment option.

Disclaimer: All treatment options, including chiropractic adjustments, should first be discussed and approved by the child's pediatrician and physical therapist.

Last Chiropractic Appointment for Torticollis

So today was Kellyn's third and final chiropractic adjustment.  I don't necessarily think its what the chiropractor would have recommended, but that's what my husband wanted.  He was never super comfortable with the idea of Kellyn going in the first place.  And Kellyn's torticollis is doing pretty well lately, so he figured it was not worth the small risk of something potentially bad happening from the adjustment.  And I'm fine with this decision.  I plan to watch her over the next few weeks to make sure she doesn't experience any big regressions.  I also want to make sure that her improvement continues on in an upward trend.  If we notice Kellyn's torticollis worsening, Ryan and I will discuss whether or not we want to start back up with chiropractic.

My beautiful baby girl bundled up and ready to go to the chiropractor.

1st Chiropractic Adjustment for Torticollis

As I mentioned before, Ryan and I have been considering supplementing Kellyn's physical therapy with chiropractic treatment. Before Kellyn got diagnosed with torticollis, I would have never imagined I would be taking my baby to a chiropractor. However, torticollis is a stubborn little condition that improves very gradually. So, after two months straight of daily physical therapy exercises, I was ready to take it up a notch. After hearing such awesome reviews about chiropractic from other "tort parents", I started wondering if perhaps it could work for Kellyn. After praying, researching, watching YouTube videos of pediatric adjustments, and having a consultation with the chiropractor, we finally felt comfortable scheduling the chiropractic appointment for Kellyn.

Kellyn's torticollis presentation one day after her first chiropractic adjustment.

Consultation with Chiropractor

We recently had a consultation with a chiropractor who has experience working with babies and children.  She came highly recommended to us by our daughter's outpatient physical therapist.  My husband and I have been considering supplementing Kellyn's PT with chiropractic since we have heard a lot of positive feedback from other parents of babies with torticollis.

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Torticollis Clinic Appointment

Today was our appointment at the Torticollis Clinic at Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C.  We were excited to see medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of torticollis specifically. Of course, Kellyn's head tilt was super minimal today. I almost wished that she was having a "bad torticollis day" on the day of this appointment, so they could see her at her worst.

At the appointment, Kellyn was evaluated by a nurse practitioner and a physical therapist. The women put Kellyn in various positions and they had her demonstrate various motor skills.  After they were done working with Kellyn, they took the time to explain their observations and provide recommendations.

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Torticollis Clinic Appt. Moved Up & Chiropractic Consultation Scheduled

I have great news! Our torticollis clinic appointment at Children's National Hospital got moved up by three weeks. I believe there was a cancellation, so Kellyn was able to get that appointment. I know that this is a great blessing from God. He certainly knows how anxious I am to get Kellyn seen by these specialists.

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