Especially in connection with cry babies, one term is often heard and read: KiSS syndrome. This is a tilted position of the baby's head.
Many parents wonder whether they have a cry baby or whether their baby may be suffering from KiSS syndrome. We summarize the symptoms, treatment options and possible long-term consequences.
What is KiSS syndrome in babies?
The abbreviation KiSS stands for "upper cervical-inducedsymmetrydisorder". According to representatives of alternative medicine, this is a movement disorder of the upper cervical spine.
It originates in the transition area between the base of the skull and the first cervical vertebra. Normally, the spine runs straight through the middle of the body - from the coccyx to the skull. Babies who suffer from KiSS syndrome repeatedly bend their head to the side or even overstretch it backwards (KiSS II).
You can find more interesting information on this topic in this video:
Symptoms of KiSS syndrome
Not every baby who turns their head to the side suffers from KiSS syndrome. Parents often find it difficult to recognize whether their child is simply looking to the side or actually has a malposition of the cervical vertebrae. Before you visit a pediatrician, you should look out for the following abnormalities in your baby:
- Tilting of the head; this usually favors one side when sleeping
- Sleeping posture (like a "C" bent backwards)
- Weak head posture
- Always the same head movements before falling asleep
- Asymmetry of arm and leg movements
- One-sided posture of the trunk
- Movements only on one side (e.g. turning)
- Maturation problems of the hip joints
- Misalignment of the feet
- Flattened head, on one side or in the middle
- Hairless area at the back of the head (symmetrical or asymmetrical)
- Buttock fold asymmetry
- Skull asymmetry at the back of the head or in the face
- Increased drooling, problems swallowing, frequent vomiting
- Increased crying in the baby carriage or baby carrier
Affected children show a marked asymmetry in their posture. Sometimes only the head is conspicuously tilted to one side, in other cases the whole body appears asymmetrical, which is particularly noticeable when lying on the back. In some cases, even the face is affected by the asymmetry.
In such cases, one eye or an entire side of the face may appear significantly smaller. Children who suffer from KiSS syndrome tilt their head far upwards and often overextend themselves as a result.
Many affected children are uncomfortable when they are lifted or moved, they feel visibly uncomfortable in the baby carriage or car seat and often prefer one side when breastfeeding. The babies express this discomfort by crying or screaming.
However, KiSSsyndromeis difficult todetect. Although it is diagnosed by palpation of the upper cervical joints and cervical spine, X-rays are often required.Because of this and the lack of scientific studies, this postural disorder is still disputedby manyconventionaldoctors.
Possible causes of KiSS syndrome
Various factors before and during birth are thought to be responsible for KiSS syndrome. These include, among others
- Premature or prolonged labor
- Birth in the breech or pelvic position
- Too little space in the womb
- Multiple pregnancies
- Suction cup or forceps delivery
- Birth by caesarean section or emergency caesarean section
- Birth weight of more than 4 kg
Often these factors cannot be prevented or avoided. Birth is an exceptional situation for both mothers and babies and is associated with great stress. Research currently assumes that the malposition of the head and upper cervical spine develops during the birth and does not correct itself afterwards.
However, critics argue that vertebral misalignments are nothing unusual after birth and that they will resolve themselves over time.
What are the long-term consequences of untreated KiSS syndrome?
If KiSS syndrome is not recognized and remains untreated, this can lead to numerous long-term consequences for affected children. These include functional disorders of the spine. Developmental disorders cannot be ruled out due to the blockage.
In childhood, learning andconcentrationdifficulties, such as dyspraxia and dysgnosia,mayalso occur. Many children also show motor deficits and the asymmetry in the face and body can worsen with increasing age, because in many cases it has not "grown into place" on its own.
Other possible late effects of untreated KiSS syndrome include aggression, hyperactivity, behavioral problems and headaches. Undiagnosed KiSS syndrome could be the cause , especially in adolescents who frequently suffer from headaches.
This is why early detection and timely treatment are so important.
Arecry babies perhapsactually KiSSchildren??
The specific causes of a child becoming a cry baby have not yet been precisely clarified and can be manifold. One possible reason may well be KiSS syndrome, as painful misalignments, tension and frustrating movement restrictions are an absolutely plausible reason for loud and persistent protest.
It is always advisable to have possible causes for the baby's crying investigated by a pediatrician. This is because there may be pain, digestive problems or muscle tension behind it. Untreated KiSS syndrome can be very stressful for babies and children - if you have discovered torticollis in your baby, you should have this suspicion investigated.
KiSS syndrome type 1 or 2?
There are two categories of KiSS syndrome: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is characterized by the baby adopting a so-called "banana position":It does not lie straight, but always slightly curved.
This in turn leads to an asymmetricalhead shape,breastfeedingproblems, to Schlafprobleme and persistent crying. The one-sideddevelopmental delay is striking.
In type 2, on the other hand, the child repeatedly overstretches backwards. The back of the head is also slightly flattened. These babiesdo not like to lie, on their stomach at all .
In both cases, the head support muscles are too weak. This results in painfulmovement restrictions in various directions. There arealso children who sufferfrom both forms ofKiSS.
What therapies & treatment options are available?
Once diagnosed, there are several options for treating KiSS syndrome. For example, atlas therapy on the upper cervical joint, which may only be used by doctors, could be effective.
This involves using the tip of the middle finger to apply short pulses to the muscles and ligaments at the transition from the head to the neck. This does not treat the actual misalignment, but has a positive effect on the perception of the body and pain. This is why it is considered particularly gentle and is perfect for babies.
Osteopathic and chiropractic treatments can also be used to release existing blockages in the jointsof the cervical vertebrae. This can even graduallyrestoresymmetry.
Special physiotherapy, manual therapy, physiotherapy or craniosacral therapycanalso be considered for successful treatment.
Experts can often providethe baby with relief in just a few simple steps .After just a shortperiod of treatment, the crying phases become shorter and the sleep phases longer. The therapy usually only lasts a few weeks. The sooner affected parents take their baby to a specialist, the sooner the symptoms associated with KiSS syndrome can be alleviated.
Osteopathy for babies
An appointment with an osteopath may also help babies with blockages, misalignments and tension. In osteopathy, various disorders are carefully palpated with the hands and gently resolved, which is why this method is particularly suitable for children.
Osteopath Ralf Freitag from Hamburg explains exactly how this works in the following video.
KiSS syndrome: not entirely uncontroversial
Many doctors who are exclusively influenced by conventional medicine consider KiSS syndrome to be a superfluous invention with which a lot of money can be made.
Although the problem that deformations and displacements can occur due to the heavy physical strain before and during birth is certainly recognized, it is assumed that this will resolve itself over time.
They also argue that the child should not be exposed to radiation from a possible X-ray and that manual treatment of the cervical vertebrae is associated with considerable risks.
However, they mainly rely on the argument that there is a lack of reliable scientific studies. For this reason, health insurance companies may not cover the costs of treatment.
Conclusion: Treatment of KiSS syndrome can alleviate symptoms
A healthy baby is the most important thing for every parent. If you notice that your child is suffering from pain and there is no obvious cause, a visit to an osteopath could provide clarification.
They can examine your baby and often diagnose a possible KiSS syndrome in just a few simple steps. No x-rays are necessary and you won't put your baby under undue stress. Parents whose babies cry for inexplicable reasons often want to leave no stone unturned to help their little treasure.
So weigh up whether a visit to the osteopath or chiropractor is an option for you. Whatever you decide to do, the whole team at swing2sleep wishes you and your baby a speedy recovery and quick relief from any discomfort.
Swing cradle from swing2sleep: Help your baby to sleep better
In the swing2sleep spring cradle, your baby automatically adopts an optimal lying position that supports the natural shape of the spine after birth. Just like in mom's womb, the back in the swing2sleep is round. Especially in the first weeks and months, this is the ideal sleeping position for the baby and promotes relaxed and restful sleep.
FAQ - KiSS syndrome and babies
How does a baby with KiSS syndrome behave?
Babies who are suspected of having KiSS syndrome often show a noticeable asymmetry in their posture. Typical features include a favored side of the head, a tilted position of the head or a clear overstretching to the back.
Many of these babies quickly appear unhappy, are difficult to soothe and cry more often, especially when being changed, carried or in the baby carriage. Breastfeeding problems, sleep restlessness or an aversion to the prone position can also occur.
It is important to note that these signs are not conclusive and can also have other causes. Specialist clarification is therefore always advisable.
Is it normal for babies to sleep with a hyperextended neck?
Occasional hyperextension of the neck can occur in newborns and is not automatically pathological. In the first few weeks of life, muscle tension is still immature and babies try out different positions.
However, if overstretching is observed frequently, is painful or is accompanied by strong crying, sleeping problems or significant asymmetry, it should be clarified by a doctor. Persistent hyperextension can indicate tension, discomfort or, in rare cases, a problem requiring treatment such as KiSS syndrome.
How do you recognize neurological disorders in babies?
Neurological disorders in babies are often difficult for parents to recognize, as the nervous system is still developing and many behaviours are normal depending on age. However, persistent deviations in movement, muscle tension or reaction can be noticeable.
These include, for example, pronounced limpness or severe stiffness, very one-sided movements, lack of eye contact or hardly any reaction to sounds and touch. Unusually frequent, shrill crying or significant developmental delays can also be indications.
It is important to note that individual abnormalities do not automatically mean a neurological disorder. However, if there is uncertainty or if abnormalities persist over a longer period of time, this should be clarified by a pediatrician.
What are the 7 warning signs in a newborn baby?
There are some signs in newborns that are considered possible warning signals and should be clarified by a doctor, especially if they occur permanently or become more pronounced:
- Very flaccid or unusually stiff muscle tension
- Hardly any spontaneous movements or very one-sided movements
- Persistent, shrill or unusually high-pitched crying
- Lack of or very little eye contact
- Difficulty drinking, swallowing or sucking
- Frequent severe overstretching or convulsive movements
- Hardly any reaction to noises, touch or speech
These warning signs are for guidance only and do not replace a medical diagnosis. Many babies exhibit some of these signs temporarily without there being a serious cause. However, if you are unsure, it is always better to seek medical advice than to wait too long.
