• Verfaillie C
• Du Rose A
• Miller A

• Infant Care
• Open Access Document
• Pediatric Chiropractic
• Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic / therapy

Background: Non-synostotic deformational plagiocephaly (NDP) is a common condition affecting 48% of infants. It is frequently cited as a reason for presentation to a chiropractor, however little is currently known about chiropractic management of NDP. This cross-sectional study aims to begin to address this literature gap.

Objectives: 1) To determine the characteristics of chiropractic management of non-synostotic deformational plagiocephaly (NDP) in the Netherlands and; 2) To investigate the type and number of treatments chiropractors expected for full resolution of the head turning preference.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of registered chiropractors in the Netherlands.

Results: Seventy-eight chiropractors completed the survey, of which 86% (N=67) treated pediatric patients, and of which 73% (N=38) treated infants with NDP. The most common presentation was head turning preference (with or without NDP) (75%, N=39) for 0-11-month-olds and the most common treatment technique was ‘touch and hold’ (65%, N=33). Participating chiropractors reported ‘no side effects’ (39%, n=20) more commonly than any specific side effects. On average, participating chiropractors expected 4 treatments for full resolution of the head turning
preference.

Conclusion: Chiropractors in the Netherlands who treat children frequently manage cases of NDP. In line with current evidence, participating chiropractors often attributed NDP to a head turning preference. There is currently limited clinical evidence on the effectiveness of management techniques for head turning preference and NDP, this should be the focus of future research.

Author keywords: Non-synostotic deformational plagiocephaly, plagiocephaly, head turning preference, chiropractic, the Netherlands.

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