A flat neck in a child is a common condition that many parents struggle with. Flattening of the head can occur in the life of a baby only after he is born. How to care for a small head so that it deforms? What to do if a problem has already occurred?
Plagiocephaly - a flat nape in a child
Children are born with a soft skull, which allows them to adapt to the needs of rapid brain growth in the first year of life. This feature contributes to the fact that the heads of young children are easily deformed. Flattening of the head is called plagiocephaly. A flat nape (in the photo) usually occurs if the baby is sleeping in the same position or when he has problems with the neck muscles. The syndrome does not affect the development of the brain and does not cause permanent changes in the appearance of the child and, fortunately, does not require surgical intervention. Usually simple procedures, such as changing the position of the baby during sleep, holding it on his hands and playing on his stomach, have a positive effect on the gradual decrease in cranial deformity.
Why is the nape flat?
The most common cause of neck changes is prolonged pressure on the bones of the skull during sleep. Because babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs, their heads may be deformed. In addition to this, children can be placed in devices that require a folding or half-open position (car seat, stroller, some baby carriers, swings, etc.).
Prematurely born babies are much more susceptible to flattening the head. Their skulls are even softer than babies born on time. In addition, due to their prematurity and state of health, requiring a stay in the intensive care unit, they spend even more time lying in one position with a limited ability to change it.
Flat head syndrome can occur in children before birth if the skull is oppressed by the pelvic bone or multiple pregnancies by brothers and sisters. Indeed, in many cases, twin children are born with flat head syndrome. The position of the fetus in the uterus can also sometimes lead to flattening of the head.
Signs and Symptoms
The flat nape of the baby is something that parents can easily recognize and notice. Usually the back of the head is flattened on one side, and the amount of hair on this side is slightly less. Looking down at the baby’s head, you will notice that the ear on the side that is flattened may be slightly more protruding. In more serious cases, flattened head syndrome leads to the fact that on the opposite side of the flattening, the head can form a significant bulge and lead to asymmetry in the baby's forehead.
Diagnosis
A physician will usually diagnose a flat occiput with a visual assessment and observation of the patient. To detect torticollis, the doctor can observe how the baby’s head moves and how it uses the muscles of the neck. X-rays, additional laboratory tests and studies are usually not needed. The doctor decides to monitor the child for several visits in order to observe changes in the shape of the head. If changes in position during sleep positively affect the shape of the skull and the head begins to restore its round shape, then it is known that the problem is associated with plagiocephaly. If not, this may mean that the deformation is the result of another disease - craniosynostosis.
Treatment
If the child has a flat nape caused by one position during sleep, there are several ways that can reduce further deformation:
- Change the position of the baby’s head during sleep. Move it from right to left and left to right when the baby is lying on its back. Despite the fact that he will toss and turn at night and change his position, it is worthwhile to put his head so that pressure is not exerted on the flattened side at least for some time.
- Carry the baby in your arms. Limit the amount of time the baby spends lying on his back or in a position where the head is on a flat surface (folding car seat, stroller, swing, etc.). Take the baby into your hands often and hold it in such a position that the head can " to rest "from pressure.
- Encourage your baby to play on his tummy. Give him the opportunity to spend more time on his stomach when he is awake during the day. This position not only allows you to form and develop the muscles of the neck and back, but also positively affects the development of the baby. A new perspective, which the baby acquires when looking from a position on the stomach, gives him impressions and allows you to find other aspects of the world. In addition, the position on the abdomen strengthens the muscles of the neck and back, which will allow the baby to learn how to lift and support the body with his hands. This in turn develops the muscles necessary for sitting and crawling. During games on the stomach, do not leave the baby unattended.
- Physiotherapy and exercises. A doctor with crankshaft may recommend physical therapy and exercise at home. A physiotherapist can show you exercises that will be performed with the baby. These are usually stretching exercises that are gradual and progressive. Most of them will relax and stretch the neck muscles in the opposite direction to the contracture. Over time, the muscles of the baby’s neck will stretch and the neck will straighten. Although the exercises are simple, it is important to do them correctly.
If the child has a pronounced flat nape and the above methods do not improve the condition for 2-3 months, the doctor may prescribe a special helmet or a special forming tape. However, not all children have helmets that eliminate flat head syndrome. A custom-made helmet works best when an infant is 4 months to a year, because then the baby grows faster and the bones of the skull are very plastic. The effect is that it gently but constantly exerts pressure on the growing bones of the skull, forcing them to assume a normal (rather than flattened) shape.
Tips
You should not use such things as a helmet or forming tape without consulting a doctor, as this can cause more harm to the baby. Only a small percentage of children need to wear a helmet, and the decision on whether to use it is based on an individual assessment of the small patient and the doctor’s diagnosis.
Orthopedic pillow for babies
For small children, special orthopedic pillows may be helpful. According to manufacturers, this is a medical product responsible not only for the prevention of skull deformity, but also for its treatment. Preventively, the baby can sleep on a specially designed pillow from the first days. It is also suitable for babies born prematurely. Due to its unique properties, the pillow allows the head to naturally take on a round shape while sleeping on its back.
It is enough to put your head in the recess of the pillow to day after day to contribute to its proper shape. Such a product is recommended for children with asymmetry and torticollis as an adjunct to therapy. It is also great support for premature babies and babies after surgery, when the baby stays in one, forced position for a long time. It does not limit the baby’s movement, allows you to freely move your head and neck. When using it, there is no need to change the position of the baby. The only “requirement” is to place his head in the recess of the pillow.
Doctors reviews
According to many doctors, special expensive pillows can be dangerous for children. These products, in their opinion, are unsafe, optional and not tested. Experts say that in the first six months of life, a child should not use pillows. At this age, they should not be covered with a blanket and give toys. Compliance with these rules for sleep reduces the risk of sudden childhood death, as it saves children from the threat of suffocation or overheating.
Forecast for the future
Parents of children with flat head syndrome should not worry, because the prospects for their future are no worse. As they grow, children begin to naturally change their position during sleep - much more often than in infancy, which allows them to change the position of the head. As a rule, with time, as the bones of the skull grow, even very significant changes disappear.
But there is also the possibility that the child’s head will never be completely symmetrical, but as a result of various developmental factors, flattening will be practically invisible. In addition, in later childhood, the face becomes more clear and attracts more attention than the rest of the head. The appearance of more hair and the fact that children are more energetic and mobile, distracts attention from the shape of the skull. Experience and clinical trials show that the flat neck in an adult is not an aesthetic or sociological problem.