Contrary to what you may believe, sometimes being a baby can be a hard thing! With the rapid growing process and changes in nutritional requirements, having a healthy infancy stage is important for development. Chiropractic care benefits babies through adjusting and giving nutritional advice to parents. Research has shown chiropractic care to reduce or eliminate symptoms in many conditions that are common during infancy. By assessing the baby’s condition prior to treatment, a chiropractor will also determine if your baby is meeting their milestones. They can also determine if a referral to another healthcare professional is necessary.
How Can a Young Infant’s Spine Be Traumatized?
While an infant’s spine normally develops perfectly by the end of pregnancy, birth trauma can upset the normal functioning of the spine. Specifically, spinal segments can be restricted by the position of the baby in the womb or during labor from the trauma of the trip through the birth canal. Medical research has identified the fact that many problems early in a child’s life can come from birth trauma.
Spinal problems can also occur as a result of the frequent falls suffered by young infants in the first months of life. A fall from a bed, a sudden stop in an automobile, or any significant unsupported movement of the head and neck in an infant can induce excessive movement in the spine causing vertebral restrictions. At the other end of the spine, the act of learning to walk, and the number of simple falls encountered along the way, can induce trauma to the lower spinal segments and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis. Young children learning to walk also fall and hit their heads. These apparently innocent, frequently occurring events can also create spinal subluxations.
That is why at Custom Chiropractor, we offer a Well Baby Check to any of our pregnant moms who have been under care during their pregnancy as early detection can make all the difference for the developing child.
It is also very important to have ongoing Well Baby Checks by a chiropractor when your baby reaches important developmental milestones such as holding their head up unaided, sitting up, rolling over, crawling, cruising and walking, etc.
How Can Parents Recognize Childhood Spinal Problems?
Unless a child has an obvious problem, it can be difficult for parents to recognize when a child has spinal restrictions and needs to be evaluated. Just as it is difficult for someone other than a dentist to evaluate if a child has cavities, it is not always easy for someone other than a chiropractor to determine if your child has a spinal problem. There are some signs parents can look for, however, which can be indicators of a child with a spinal restriction.
Common indicators of spinal problems may include:
- Child’s head frequently being tilted to one side
- Restricted head or neck motion that is asymmetrical
- Erratic sleeping patterns with the child sleeping only one – two hours at a time
- Feeding difficulties in a young infant including preferring to breastfeed only on one side.
85% of Americans seek chiropractic care for their children and it has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in correcting spinal restrictions as well as aiding the body in healing a number of conditions such as colic, irritability, ear infections, ADHD, enhanced immunity as well as others.
5 Frequently Asked Question about Pediatric Chiropractic:
Is chiropractic care safe for babies?
The first thing every parent wants to know is whether chiropractic care is safe for their child. The short answer is yes! Most people think that chiropractors only treat adults with low back pain, but chiropractors also treat newborns, infants, and toddlers!
How do chiropractors adjust babies?
Adjustments may differ depending on what condition a baby may have, however, adjustments will always be gentle and pain-free. Infant chiropractic care can be compared to massaging and stretching unlike the higher forcer and faster speed technique that is used on adults. Occasionally a low-force tool called an Activator may be used to correct any restrictions a baby may have
How much pressure will the chiropractor use?
Gentle pressure is used by the chiropractor to assess, fix any restrictions, or release any tense muscles the baby may have. Chiropractors primarily use their finger or thumb tips for any treatment your baby may need.
Will there be a cracking sound?
Unlike chiropractic treatment for adults, there is no cracking or popping involved in the chiropractic treatment of babies. Treatment performed by chiropractors on babies are very low force and often go unnoticed by the baby!
Will my baby cry during treatment?
Your baby may cry during treatment but fear not! The baby is not crying out of pain. They may cry due to the new environment, sensations or movement they are experiencing.
How does chiropractic care help babies?
What can chiropractic do for your child? Is it only for serious health conditions? Is it only for when my child is hurting?
Not at all. Chiropractic care has been shown to be helpful in a number of issues. Example of conditions that can be reduced or eliminated with chiropractic care include:
Colic
Colicky babies are unhappy babies. Babies with colic can cry inconsolably for no apparent reason causing themselves and their parents’ sleepless nights. Adjustments coupled with nutritional advice can help relieve the symptoms of colic.
Torticollis
Torticollis refers to contraction of the neck muscles that results in twisting of the head to one side. This condition is inherited in some infants or may result from birth trauma. If you notice your baby is favoring looking to one side or is unable to get into a good position for breastfeeding, they may be experiencing torticollis. A chiropractor may use gentle massage work to the babies’ neck muscles to release any tension.
Feeding issues
Feeding or latching issues can arise from decreased movement or restrictions of the babies’ shoulders, neck, or jaw, or specifically the baby’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By chiropractors correcting these restrictions, babies will have an easier time latching or bottle feeding!
Reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may entail excessive spitting up, persistent coughing, fussiness, eating issues, or crying around feeding time. This can be quite uncomfortable for the baby and can lead to other digestive issues. Adjustments to the baby’s spine can help relieve the pain of reflux or GERD.
Constipation
Constipation is a common issue that parents will seek chiropractic treatment for. Digestive issues in babies can be relieved through chiropractic care, aided by massage and adjustments. Some babies even defecate right after their first treatment!
Ear infections
Unfortunately, ear infections can be uncomfortable and often recurring in babies. Some ear infections go away on their own, but some may require extra help. Chiropractic care benefits babies’ ears by improving the drainage of their ears and reducing the recurrence of ear infections without the use of antibiotics!
Sleeping issues
Babies with sleeping issues create many sleepless nights for parents as well! Chiropractic treatment induces relaxation while decreasing the various symptoms your new baby may be experiencing that is hindering their sleep.
How often should a baby see a chiropractor?
After an assessment performed by the chiropractor, the doctor will determine how often and what treatment is best for your baby. Chiropractors can see healthy babies as well! Our office offers preventative care and regular milestone check-ups as well. Remember, chiropractic treatment can benefit babies and a happy baby means a happy parent!
How to make an appointment
If you have any questions on how chiropractic care benefits babies or on a specific condition your baby may have, please feel free to contact us at Custom Chiropractor or schedule an appointment by visiting customchiropractor.com or by calling (408) 248-8700.
After scheduling your appointment, intake forms will be conveniently emailed to you to complete prior to your initial evaluation. These forms will include questions about your motor vehicle accident so our chiropractors can get a clear picture on how to get you back to your pain-free life again.