Birth, infancy and childhood are among the most physically demanding times of our life.
The amount of rapid change that happens within the body during these years is nothing short of a miracle.
Not to mention the countless falls and stress that come along with learning to crawl, walk, run and develop into adulthood.
This is where kids chiropractic care comes in.
65% of neurological development (development of the brain and nervous system) occurs within your sweet baby’s first year of life.
Starting with birth, there’s a tremendous amount of pressure and force exerted onto your precious baby- during even the most natural birth, let alone one needing interventions.
A recent study demonstrated that 90% of newborns suffered the effects of birth trauma: associated strain through the neck and cranial areas following birth.
Viola Frymann, American Osteopathic Doctor
Frymann studied more than 1,500 babies periodically across a period of 8 years. She examined all babies within their first 5 days of birth; in fact, many were checked within the first 24 hours.
The study revealed that 10% of the newborn babies had perfectly, freely mobile skulls or cranial mechanisms. 10% had severe trauma to the head, evident even to untrained observers. The remaining 80% all had some strain patterns in the cranial mechanism.
Birth in its many different forms can be quite traumatic. While each birth is unique, there is always a chance that the baby suffers some sort of strain due to a variety of reasons. Even the most natural births can result in trauma that goes undetected.
Trauma from the birth process remains an under-publicized and therefore significantly under-treated problem.
G. Gutmann, Researcher
Potential causes of birth trauma in infants
- Very short labor
- Very long labor
- The use of Pitocin to strengthen/induce uterine contractions
- Pain medications
- Restricted maternal birthing positions
- Pulling or twisting on the head to deliver the infant’s body
- The use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Cesarean delivery
Left uncorrected, this trauma can continue to impact growth and development, and reduce healthy nervous system function. This can cause a multitude of health challenges later in life that may have been easily prevented.
65% of neurological development (development of the brain and nervous system) occurs within the first year of life so it only makes sense to ensure that your baby has every opportunity to optimize their nerve function during this critical developmental period.
5 Signs of nerve stress in infants
- Nursing difficulties
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty being soothed and settled
- Difficulty turning their head to one side
- Their head tilts to one side, even after you straighten it
Although, ALL infants should be checked for nerve interference following birth.
Chiropractic adjustments for newborns and kiddos differs significantly from chiropractic care for adults. The pressure needed to adjust a newborn is no more than the weight of a quarter or the pressure you would use to check the ripeness of a tomato.
It’s better to grow healthy children, than to fix injured adults.
Does it hurt?
No. Pediatric chiropractic care is very gentle. Sometimes infants even sleep through their adjustment.
An adjustment should never cause a child any pain. Most parents report that their kids enjoy their adjustments and look forward to their next visit.
How long will it take?
Infants and kiddos often respond quickly to chiropractic care. Frequency and duration of care vary greatly depending on your kiddos health history, development and specific goals.
Is it safe?
Kids chiropractic is a safe, gentle and effective approach to whole health and wellness for kiddos.
Pediatric chiropractors specialize in detecting and correcting nervous system interference, known as subluxations, in kiddos. If a subluxation is found, an adjustment is used to correct any dysfunction that may have occurred during pregnancy, labor, birth or beyond.
Preliminary research and data suggest that chiropractic care for children may be one of the safest forms of health care available.
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
Pediatric chiropractors have been caring for children for over 100 years and have an excellent safety record; chiropractic malpractice insurance costs less than the average person pays for car insurance.
15 common reasons parents bring their kids to the chiropractor
- recurrent ear infections
- flat or misshapen head
- breastfeeding difficulties
- sleep disturbances
- allergic reactions
- chronic infection
- persistent sore throats and colds
- colic/reflux
- asthma
- scoliosis
- headaches
- bedwetting
- constipation
- growing pains
- ADHD
By assessing for, and removing, interference found within your child’s nervous system, kids chiropractic care is a vital pillar for optimal health and development.
Find a pediatric chiropractor near you
It’s important to seek care for your kiddo from a pediatric chiropractor as they have additional skills and training in caring for the special needs and concerns of littles.
You can use this link to find a qualified pediatric chiropractor near you, or click here to schedule an appointment with me at Be Well Barn.
Be well.
