Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly are descriptions of baby?s heads which are distorted or misshapen.

Plagiocephaly presents as flattened on one side at the back and sometimes rounded on the opposite side on the forehead. Brachycephaly is flattened at the back and elongated through the crown.

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These conditions can be caused by pressure on the skull within the womb from overcrowding, or not enough fluid, or if baby is in an awkward position.

 Injury can occur to baby?s head, base of the skull or neck if there is difficulty in the birthing process and may not show up until baby is lying for long periods of time. Then the flattening will occur on the side baby favours.

These conditions can sometimes resolve themselves. If the injury is not severe then the normal growth process will normalise the head. When the injury is severe however, a shock or holding causes the soft tissues which line the bones of the inside of the head to tighten. These tissues then do not grow at the same rate as healthy tissues and an injury pattern occurs.

As a baby?s skull is soft and malleable and harden as they grow, it is wise to get treatment as soon as possible. Treatments can be over several growth spurts depending on the severity of the injury. Osteopathic treatment regarding babies is very gentle, non-invasive and relaxing, and involves hands on techniques which enable the shock to release and the natural moulding process to take place.