Chiropractic care, often associated with adjustments for adults experiencing back pain, has a broader scope of practice that includes infants. Babies, from newborns through their first year, can also experience structural issues that may benefit from chiropractic adjustments. These gentle interventions can address a variety of concerns that may not be immediately associated with the need for chiropractic care. Understanding the signs can help parents make the proper decisions about incorporating chiropractic visits into their child’s healthcare. Revelation Chiropractic would like to share what signs to look for to know if your baby needs chiropractic care.
Is it Good for Babies to Get Adjusted By a Chiropractor?
Chiropractic care for infants involves gentle, specific adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine or other parts of the body. These adjustments are vastly different in technique and pressure compared to those used for adults, tailored to the delicate structure of a baby’s body. The goal is to support the baby’s nervous system and structural development and to address various functional issues.
How Do I Know if My Baby Needs a Chiropractor?
• Feeding Difficulties – Difficulty breastfeeding or a preference for feeding from one side can sometimes be due to discomfort in the neck or spine, making it hard for the baby to turn their head. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce or get rid of this discomfort and improve neck mobility.
• Sleep Disruptions – If your baby has trouble sleeping or wakes up frequently, it could be a sign of discomfort. While there are many possible reasons for sleep disturbances, spinal misalignments can contribute to discomfort that disrupts sleep.
• Colic Symptoms – Babies with colic often cry for hours at a time without a discernible reason. While the exact cause of colic is unknown, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, which is often suspected to be a contributing factor.
• Recurring Ear Infections – Chiropractic care may improve drainage and ventilation in the ear by adjusting the spine and neck, potentially reducing the frequency of ear infections.
• Developmental Delays – If a baby is experiencing delays in reaching motor development milestones, such as holding up the head, rolling over, sitting up, or crawling, it might be beneficial to consult a chiropractor. While chiropractic care is not a cure-all, it can address restrictions in movement that may be hindering progress.
• Post-Birth Trauma – The birthing process, especially prolonged labor or deliveries involving interventions like vacuum extraction or forceps, can lead to spinal misalignments. Observing any asymmetries in your baby’s head shape, neck movement, or if they seem to favor turning their head to one side, could indicate the need for a chiropractic evaluation.
• Behavioral or Mood Issues – Babies who are unusually fussy or irritable for extended periods may be experiencing discomfort. While it is natural for babies to cry, excessive fussiness could suggest that they are uncomfortable, possibly due to misalignments affecting their nervous system.
Chiropractic Care & Therapy in Fort Collins, CO (Just Minutes from Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Wellington, Colorado)
Chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to your baby’s wellness, addressing issues that might not have been previously associated with spinal alignment or nervous system function. If your baby exhibits any signs that might point to discomfort related to structural issues, consulting with a pediatric chiropractor could provide relief and support your baby’s overall well-being. For pediatric chiropractic care, call Revelation Chiropractic today.
