WHY WOULD A BABY NEED TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR?
Chiropractors Adjust Babies?
The common belief about chiropractic care among the general public is that the procedure is only meant for grown-ups, not kids. But if the latest studies about the benefits of chiropractic on children are anything to go by, then you may want to start taking your children for regular chiropractic adjustments.
Thanks to emerging research, we now know that chiropractic care is beneficial to everybody regardless of age or physical development. More than ever in the history of modern medicine, we are noticing an unprecedented influx of children as young as a few days old at chiropractic offices. You might want to ask why an infant would ever get adjusted by a chiropractor. Among many other health benefits, chiropractic adjustments for babies can help relieve feeding problems, sleep disturbances, ear infections, colic, and increase the comfort of an infant.
Why Do Chiropractic Adjustments Benefit Babies?
Scientists think that misalignment in babies and young children can result into a variety of symptoms which may affect feeding, sleep pattern and quality, neurological development, immune system, and general comfort. Infants are vulnerable to several health disorders due to the stress and strain of birth. According to Dr. Abraham Towbin, a pathologist at Harvard University, the birthing process often results in spinal injury which can impair the neurological development of children. Birth trauma can lead to nerve dysfunction which manifests as symptoms such as trouble breathing, colic, irritability, sleeping difficulty, delayed development, difficulty nursing, and others. A chiropractor can align your child’s spine to correct any nerve issues that may lead to the problems above after natural birth or C-section.
However, not all chiropractic offices can handle children and babies. Before taking your child to any chiropractic office, be sure to ask about their experience with children and the kind of adjustment techniques and technology they may use during the procedure. An ideal office will have the requisite experience and a children-friendly atmosphere. To get a list of chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics go to www.icpa4kids.org.
You don’t have to fear for your child if you wish him or her to receive a chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment for children and infants is very different from that of adults. Only an extremely light amount of pressure is applied to the baby with minimal amount of force. Here are some of the possible benefits your child will receive after getting regular chiropractic adjustments.
Supports Neurological Development
A misaligned spine can impair nerve function in your baby, leading to increased stress and discomfort for your child. Because it’s hard for the child to describe or verbalize their complaint, many parents will end up at the pediatrician with a prescription or dietary change. However, a chiropractic adjustment can help alleviate the stress and pressure on the nerves so that your child's body can grow and develop optimally.
Boosts General Comfort
Chiropractic adjustments can be a natural and effective way of relieving many of the symptoms that cause discomfort for your baby. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help manage ear infections, acid reflux, latching/breastfeeding problems, moodiness, colic/irritability, among others.
Promotes Spinal Elongation
Chiropractic adjustments can help align your child's rapidly growing spine, which can increase in length by as much as 50 percent in the first year. Without proper alignment, this growth is compromised. For proper spine elongation and curvature, regular chiropractic adjustments can provide the right spine alignment your baby needs to grow and develop without any spinal deformities. The normal curves of the spine happen between the ages of birth and three years old.
Enhanced Immune Function
Research shows that spinal adjustments can increase the body's ability in producing and transporting disease-fighting cells to any part of the body which is vulnerable, effectively boosting the immune system.
Reduces Fussiness
The headache of being a parent can be challenging, especially with a crying baby who can’t be comforted. Finding a way to reduce the baby's stress can also help you have an improved home experience. Regular adjustments can help your baby relax, reduce fussiness, grow healthier and ultimately let you enjoy some peace at home.
So, if you want your child to have the best chance to optimize their health and wellbeing during those first few precious years of life please have them checked by a chiropractor. Don’t procrastinate now is the time to do so! The experienced and friendly chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics at Somerset Hills Chiropractic are happy to share more information about the health benefits of chiropractic adjustments and answer any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment or ask any questions, please call (908) 221-0808.
Dr. Brian Wallace