How to Prevent and Start Addressing a Cervical Rotation Preference

It is very common that infants are born with or develop a cervical rotation preference. This means that they tend to favor looking to the right or to the left.  If addressed immediately, this is very easy to correct.  If left untreated, a cervical rotational preference can lead to short muscles in the neck (also known as torticollis) and asymmetrical development.  It can also lead to plagiocephaly, a flat spot on the back of the child’s head. These issues can require months of physical therapy to address.  If you notice that your child has a cervical rotation preference, reach out to a physical therapist who works with infants for an evaluation.  While you are waiting for that initial evaluation, you can practice these “Do’s and Don’ts” below.  These activities can also be done to prevent a cervical rotation preference.

DO!

• Alternate which arm you hold your child. 

• Practice tummy time.  Remember, your child should always be supervised while in tummy time.

• Approach your child from different sides of the crib.

• When playing with your child, don’t always stand on the child’s right or left.  Alternate your positioning.

• If you notice that your child is always resting or sleeping with his/her head to the right, every now and then change the position of your child’s head so he/she is looking to the left, and vice versa.

DON’T!

• Don’t add accessories to your child’s car seat to change the positioning of your child.  Your car seat should always be used as directed in the instruction manual which is how the car seat was crash tested.

• Don’t have your child sleep on his or her stomach.  Always follow the back to sleep guidelines unless directed otherwise by your child’s physician.

• Don’t wait to address this.  The earlier this is addressed, the easier it is to address. 

If you have questions and/or think your child might need a PT evaluation, book a discovery call!  I would love to help you!