Ever heard of chiropractic care for babies? Yeah, you read that right! Like us adults, our tiny bundles of joy may benefit from gentle chiropractic love. Let’s discover how these gentle adjustments can be a game-changer in your baby’s early life stages!
Key Takeaways
- Chiropractors use light-pressure treatments to address health issues in babies.
- Chiropractic care provides no less than 8 health benefits to babies (and their parents).
- Numerous scientific studies have proven the safety of chiropractic care for babies. (Alcantara et al., 2009)
How Chiropractic Adjustments are Performed on Infants
Infant chiropractic adjustments are very different from adult ones. Forget those cracking and popping sounds — for infants, it’s all about gentle touches.
Imagine the amount of pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato — that’s about how much force a chiropractor uses on a baby. The chiropractor’s fingers are more like feathery touches that work on specific areas of the baby’s spine or neck.
The adjustments often involve holding the baby in specific positions or gently stretching them to help with alignment. The baby will be lying down or sometimes in the parent’s arms.
Furthermore, chiropractic treatments for infants are quick. Babies don’t have the patience for long sessions, so chiropractors get straight to the point.
And lastly, while the technique itself is gentle, the chiropractor’s environment is, too. It’s all about keeping things calm and relaxed, so don’t be surprised if you find soft lighting, soothing music, or even a few toys lying around to keep the little ones entertained.
8 Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments for Infants
Relieving Colic Symptoms
Colic in infants can be a real head-scratcher for parents. Those inconsolable cries and restless nights are enough to leave anyone feeling helpless. (Holm et al.)
There’s been increasing chatter in the parenting and healthcare communities about the role of chiropractic care in soothing colicky babies. The idea is that subtle misalignments in an infant’s spine might cause discomfort or affect their nervous system function, which could be linked to those heart-wrenching cries.
Regular chiropractic adjustments help alleviate potential underlying sources of discomfort, leading to fewer colic symptoms and more precious quiet moments.
Addressing Ear Infections Through Infant Chiropractic Care
Those pesky, painful ear infections can turn your bubbly baby into a fussy, sleepless little bundle.
Ear infections often arise when trapped fluid in the middle ear becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or viruses. Here’s where the spine comes into play: the neck nerves play a role in the function and drainage of the Eustachian tube (the tiny tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose). Any misalignment in the neck vertebrae affects the Eustachian tube’s function, potentially leading to ear infections.
When a chiropractor gets their expert hands on the spine, they gently nudge any misaligned vertebrae back into place. The theory goes that by addressing these misalignments, chiropractors promote better Eustachian tube drainage, reducing the chances of fluid build-up and, consequently, ear infections.
Many parents have sung praises about chiropractic care’s effectiveness in preventing recurrent ear infections or speeding up recovery. But, as always, it’s essential to tread with a touch of caution. While there’s promising anecdotal evidence, the scientific community is still in the early stages of conclusive research on this topic.
Calming Down Acid Reflux
If you’re the parent of a little one dealing with acid reflux, you know the drill: the spit-ups, the fussiness, the sleep disruptions. And amidst all the burp cloths and late-night soothing, you might’ve heard about chiropractic adjustments as a potential savior.
Acid or gastroesophageal reflux occurs when stomach acid goes back up into the esophagus. This can be super uncomfortable for the little ones, causing that familiar arching of the back and general displeasure after feeding.
Now, here’s where chiropractic care comes into the spotlight. Spinal misalignments interfere with the nervous system’s functioning, which, in turn, affects the digestive system. When a chiropractor works their magic on those baby spines, they correct any misalignments, helping the nervous system do its job better, including regulating those digestive processes and keeping acid where it belongs — in the stomach!
Chiropractic Care for Infants Helps With Sleep Issues
With a baby in the house, you’ve surely spent countless hours wondering how to get those sweet dreams rolling for longer than a 20-minute stretch. And amidst the plethora of advice, you might’ve heard the buzz about chiropractic care for infants as a potential ticket to Slumberland.
Restless nights are inevitable if a baby is uncomfortable from minor spinal misalignments, digestive issues, or general bodily discomfort.
Enter chiropractic treatments, ensuring your baby’s spine and nervous system are harmonious. If any misalignments or subluxations are causing discomfort or affecting the nervous system’s regular functions, sorting these issues out may lead to a more comfortable baby. And a comfy baby? Well, that’s often a sleepier baby.
Postpartum Recovery for the Baby
As miraculous as it is, childbirth can be likened to a marathon for those tiny infants. Even with a smooth delivery, that whole journey can have some minor impacts on your little one’s spine and body alignment.
The idea behind chiropractic care for postpartum recovery is that if the baby experiences any minor misalignments during birth — whether from a quick delivery, a C-section, or even the use of forceps — a chiropractor can help correct them. This translates into a happier, more comfortable baby who can move and feed easily!
Addressing Any Misalignment of the Vertebrae
Chiropractic care for infants addresses any potential misalignment of the vertebrae.
Though entirely natural, the birth process is like the little one’s first roller coaster ride. They twist, turn, push, and are sometimes pulled during their grand entrance.
This journey can sometimes lead to little misalignments in the spine, which may cause discomfort or other issues for the baby.
By gently addressing these subluxations, chiropractors aim to ensure the baby’s nervous system is free of interference, allowing it to function optimally. A well-aligned spine means better overall comfort and well-being for the baby.
Boosting Your Baby’s Immune System
There’s a theory in the chiropractic world that connects the dots between spine alignment, the nervous system, and the immune system.
Here’s the lowdown: The nervous system is like the grand conductor of the body’s orchestra, directing all the functions. A misaligned spine might cause hiccups in this intricate system.
By gently adjusting any misalignments, chiropractors help remove any interference with the nervous system. A properly functioning nervous system, in turn, supports the immune system to work at its best.
Ideal for Fussy Babies
Every parent knows that there are days when their baby seems a tad more irritable than usual, and they’d give anything to soothe them.
That is why some have turned to chiropractic care as a potential remedy for their baby’s fussiness.
The rationale behind this approach is that subtle misalignments in the baby’s spine are causing discomfort, and those gentle adjustments are the ticket to a calmer baby. (Alcantara and Anderson, 2008)
Imagine wearing a shoe that’s slightly too tight. It might not be painful per se, but it’s uncomfortable. Some chiropractors theorize that babies feel something similar when experiencing misalignments, and adjusting them can bring relief.
Parents who’ve been on this route have shared stories of their previously fussy babies becoming more relaxed and content post-adjustment. But, as with many treatment approaches, individual experiences can vary.
Will My Baby Cry During Chiropractic Treatment?
Whether it’s our babies’ first bath, meeting the family cat, or even trying out that new pacifier, we’re always on edge about how our little munchkin will react. So, when considering chiropractic treatment, it’s only natural to wonder if those sweet baby eyes will well up with tears.
The answer is a toss-up. Some babies are as chill as cucumbers during their adjustment, while others make their opinions known loud and clear. Babies cry for many reasons: hunger, tiredness, a wet diaper, or sometimes just because they feel like it. So, if your baby does cry during an adjustment, it might not be because of the treatment itself.
Pediatric chiropractors can be thought of as “baby whisperers.” They’re trained to use gentle techniques tailored for the little ones. Plus, they create a soothing environment with soft lighting and lullabies to keep the baby at ease.
That said, it’s always a new experience for the baby. Just like how they might fuss during a diaper change or when trying new food, they might be a bit fussy during an adjustment purely because it’s unfamiliar.
Ensure Proper Spine Elongation for Your Baby Through Chiropractic Care!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic adjustments!
References
- Alcantara, Joel, et al. “The Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic: A Survey of Chiropractors and Parents in a Practice-Based Research Network.” EXPLORE, vol. 5, no. 5, 2009, pp. 290–295, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2009.06.002. Accessed 14 Aug. 2023.
- Alcantara, Joel, and Renata Anderson. “Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Symptoms Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Fuss-Cry-Irritability with Sleep Disorder Syndrome and Irritable Infant Syndrome of Musculoskeletal Origin.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, Dec. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597889/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2023.
- Holm, Lise Vilstrup, et al. “The Effect of Chiropractic Care on Infantile Colic: Results from a Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial.” Chiropractic Manual Therapies, vol. 29, no. 1, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-021-00371-8. Accessed 14 Aug. 2023.
