Navigating the health needs of an infant can be difficult for new parents. From decoding cries to monitoring developmental milestones, each aspect requires careful attention. Chiropractic care is often overlooked for infants, yet it can play a big role in ensuring your baby’s health and well-being. Revelation Chiropractic would like to explore the signs that may indicate your infant could benefit from chiropractic care and what such treatment entails.
Understanding Infant Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care for infants involves gentle adjustments that aim to correct misalignments in the infant’s spine. These adjustments are very soft and require no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Chiropractors who specialize in pediatric care are trained to handle the delicate needs of infants, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Signs Your Infant May Need Chiropractic Care
While infants can’t verbalize discomfort the way adults or older children might, there are several signs that could suggest a need for chiropractic attention:
• Birth Trauma: The birth process, whether natural or via interventions like forceps or suction, can exert significant pressure on an infant’s spine and neck. If your baby experienced a particularly long labor, a very fast labor, or required intervention, chiropractic adjustments might help alleviate any resultant misalignments.
• Difficulty Breastfeeding: Chiropractic care can be beneficial if your infant struggles with breastfeeding, especially if they show a preference for nursing on one side or display discomfort while feeding. Misalignments can make it difficult for them to turn their head in a particular direction.
• Sleep Disturbances: If your infant has difficulty sleeping or seems uncomfortable while sleeping, spinal misalignments could be a contributing factor. Gentle chiropractic adjustments may improve their comfort and, consequently, their sleep patterns.
• Persistent Crying: Excessive and inconsolable crying might be a sign of discomfort. If medical causes like infections or illnesses have been ruled out, a chiropractic checkup could be beneficial to determine if spinal issues are a factor.
• Irregular Bowel Movements: Digestive issues in infants, such as constipation or irregular bowel movements, can sometimes be alleviated through chiropractic care, which helps optimize bodily functions by improving spinal alignment.
• Favoring One Side: If you notice your baby consistently tilting their head to one side or favoring one side of their body, it could indicate spinal misalignments. Such preferences should be checked by a chiropractor to ensure that they aren’t due to discomfort or restricted movement.
What to Expect from an Infant Chiropractic Adjustment Session
A visit to a pediatric chiropractor will typically begin with a detailed history and a gentle examination of your infant’s spine. The chiropractor will look for signs of misalignment and assess your baby’s overall posture and mobility. Any adjustments made will be extremely gentle. Parents should look for chiropractors who have specific training and experience in pediatric care. These professionals are skilled in handling the very subtle adjustments needed for infants.
Chiropractic Care & Therapy in Fort Collins, CO (Just Minutes from Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Wellington, Colorado)
Chiropractic care is not just for adults with back pain, even infants can benefit from spinal adjustments. Recognizing the signs early can lead to effective, non-invasive care that supports your infant’s health and development. If you notice any of the signs mentioned, consider consulting with a pediatric chiropractor to ensure your little one gets the best start in life. For pediatric and adult chiropractic care, contact Revelation Chiropractic today.
