" What is behind the name and how is it treated? "
When you first read about kiss syndrome, you probably think of the English meaning of the word, which translates as kiss. Unfortunately, however, behind this name lies an abbreviation for an upper cervical-induced symmetry disorder. Discovered back in the 1950s, this syndrome with its symptoms and causes is still not scientifically verifiable and therefore causes many parents great concern.
Symptoms and causes
Kiss syndrome is a misalignment of the baby's first two cervical vertebrae. Due to this blockage, the child usually falls into an asymmetrical posture, overstretches and is in a great deal of pain. This is accompanied by frequent crying and screaming. In addition, affected babies often lie on one preferred side and therefore have a flat head on one side after a while. If the baby is breastfed, it often prefers a breast instead of a baby bottle. The child invariably cries when picked up, carried and generally when moving. Sometimes it cries so much that it can hardly breathe and literally screams itself into a rage. Affected children also have problems falling asleep, sleep very restlessly and wake up frequently during the night - this is where Baby blanket and pillow can be so cuddly and comfortable. The baby prefers to lie on its stomach, but raises its head quite late and only hesitantly. Of course, all these symptoms rarely occur together. The decisive factors for suspecting kiss syndrome are the child's crooked posture, overstretching and asymmetry of the head. If there is any suspicion, the baby should be presented to a doctor as soon as possible to rule out causes other than the misalignment of the cervical vertebrae.
Does kiss syndrome exist?
The causes of this syndrome usually begin during pregnancy. Some children are born in an unfavorable breech or pelvic presentation and can only rarely see the light of day naturally. Especially with multiple births, there is sometimes not enough space in the womb, resulting in a malposition of the head joint. Babies born by caesarean section are particularly at risk. In addition, a traumatic birth can cause the cervical vertebrae to shift. This occurs more frequently with the use of a suction cup or forceps. However, a high birth weight can also contribute to kiss syndrome, as babies have very little space in the birth canal and this can lead to an unfavorable position of the head.
Diagnosis and possible kiss syndrome treatment
As Kiss syndrome is still not considered to be verifiable or proven, many doctors cannot and do not want to diagnose it. They often see another cause in the increased crying of the children and initially prescribe medication to calm the children down. If you are of the opinion that the pediatrician treating you is not the right person to contact in your case, there are chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths who are specially trained for children.
Baby gets a massage
During the diagnosis, the child's normal reflexes are tested first. In addition, the posture of the head and its shape are checked. Muscle tension is also examined and it is checked whether the baby has developed in a timely manner and according to its age. If there is an abnormal posture, the cause will also be investigated. If all the symptoms and the doctor's medical history now point to the syndrome, possible therapies can be discussed.
Turning to specialists
Numerous approaches are used to treat kiss syndrome. Only experienced and qualified specialists who also specialize in babies and children should be consulted. The aim of all forms of therapy and specialists is to release the existing blockage of the upper cervical joints by applying pressure to certain points. Mobilizing grips are used to release the tension. A single session can last between ten and 45 minutes. You should clarify the costs of the treatment with your health insurance provider in advance. This is because manual therapies are often covered, whereas osteopathy is generally not.
At the pediatrician
The blocked cervical vertebrae in the baby's kiss syndrome are released using special hand movements, which can lead to an enormous improvement in symptoms even after the first treatment. After the first appointment with the osteopath or pediatric physiotherapist, many parents describe that the crying has become significantly less. The existing problems with sleeping and waking up at night are also resolved very quickly. The entire kiss syndrome treatment often only lasts two to three weeks. It is very rare for the child to be treated permanently.
Possible consequences of non-treatment
If a baby with kiss syndrome is not examined and treated as early as possible, there is a risk of long-term consequences that can last into adulthood. These include, for example, learning difficulties, poor concentration, frequent headaches, poor posture as well as hyperactivity and aggression in school-age children. Later on, adults often suffer from chronic back pain, have a tendency to slipped discs and are plagued by movement and balance disorders. In general, you should seek medical advice immediately in the event of any uncertainty. Especially with the youngest children, who are not yet able to communicate their pain and suffering in words, it is essential to act quickly. Consultation with several specialists can also be helpful in clarifying the causes and should be considered, especially for young children.
