Even when everything goes smoothly during birth, it can still be physically demanding for a newborn. During delivery, a baby may be pulled and compressed, placing a strain on their neck and spine.
It’s natural to worry if your baby looks uncomfortable. And, somewhere along your search for answers, you may come across newborn chiropractic care.
Is infant chiropractic care for infants safe, and what are the benefits of chiropractic care for infants? Learn everything you need to know here.
Introduction to Chiropractic Care for Infants
Chiropractic care for infants uses a gentle, hands-on approach to address various symptoms.
Unlike adult chiropractic treatment, chiropractic infant care uses very light pressure. There is no forceful twisting or cracking. Instead, the chiropractor assesses how the baby moves and gently adjusts them if needed.
When done correctly and by a trained professional, chiropractic care can be a great complementary addition to regular pediatric care.
Safety and Efficacy of Chiropractic Care for Infants
Yes. Chiropractic care for infants is generally safe and effective, provided you go to a registered pediatric chiropractic clinician. Chiropractic care for infants uses gentle techniques.
In one study, 82% of mothers reported improvement in their infants after chiropractic care. Over 90.9% felt satisfied with the treatment.
The Top 6 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Infants
While there are many benefits of chiropractic care for infants, today we will go over our top 6 list.
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Supporting Post-Birth Recovery
The birthing process places significant demands on a baby’s small, developing body. In some cases, infants are delivered with assistance by vacuum extraction or forceps. These may compress and rotate a baby’s neck and shoulders.
Chiropractic care supports post-birth recovery by easing restricted movement. Moreover, other newborn chiropractic benefits include reducing strain and encouraging mobility.
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Breastfeeding and Latch Support
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily to babies. Some struggle to latch due to misalignment of the joints, neck, skull, and jaw.
Pediatric chiropractors care for infants with breastfeeding difficulties. They do this by addressing subluxations in the cervico-cranio-mandibular complex.
Simply put, chiropractic care gently improves movement for better sucking and latching.
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Relief from Colic-Related Symptoms
Colic, or excessive crying, can make parents feel helpless, especially when the infant seems healthy. If nothing else, you may need a chiropractor for a colicky baby.
Research shows that chiropractic care is an effective alternative for reducing infant colic.
Infant chiropractic for colic eases discomfort in the spine, neck, or diaphragm. Correcting these misalignments lessens stress and helps your baby feel more relaxed overall.
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Promoting Better Sleep
Can a chiropractor help your baby sleep? Some studies show that yes, they can!
For instance, a 2008 report found that just four visits to the chiropractor improved sleep for a three-month-old girl.
Sleep disorders can be caused by various issues, such as a recessed mandible or tongue tie. Chiropractic care can help with muscle tension in the jaw and neck.
Not only that, but chiropractic care promotes relaxation, improving sleep as a result.
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Relief from Gas and Indigestion
Gas is one of the most common sources of discomfort for infants. Because a newborn’s digestive system is still developing, indigestion and reflux are normal. Even so, you may want to consult a chiropractor for infants with gas.
Chiropractic care for infants with reflux isn’t unusual. Treating gas and reflux requires medication. However, these may have long-term side effects in infants.
Instead of using drugs, a pediatric chiropractor can help relieve your little one with movement and light pressure.
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Torticollis and Head-Turning Preferences
Sometimes infants prefer turning their heads to one side. You may notice your baby consistently looking in the same direction or developing a flat spot on one side of the head.
Head-turning preferences may be a habit. That said, you should also look out for torticollis.
Torticollis happens when large muscles along the sides of your baby’s neck become tight. It causes the infant’s head to tilt in one direction.
If your baby has torticollis, treating them early can make a huge difference.
Taking an infant to a chiropractor can help improve torticollis symptoms. A chiropractor can help with massage therapy, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises.
What to Expect During Infant Chiropractic Care
Infants and chiropractic care are not a typical pairing. Because of this, many parents aren’t quite sure what to expect.
To give you an idea, here’s what typically happens during a session.
- Assessment: The chiropractor will ask details about your baby and about their childbirth. Afterward, they conduct a physical assessment.
- Observation: The practitioner watches how your baby moves. They check for symmetry and overall muscle shape.
- Treatment: If treatment is necessary, the chiropractor uses very light pressure. There should be no forceful twisting or cracking.
- Education: Depending on the concern, the chiropractor may teach you simple exercises you can do at home for the little one.
Pediatric chiropractic care is usually quick and fuss-free. Many infants remain calm during the process, and some even sleep through it!
Finding a Newborn Chiropractor
If you’re considering chiropractic care for your baby, choosing the right practitioner is essential.
Chiropractic care requires proper knowledge and experience. The practitioner must have training for handling and providing chiropractic care for newborns.
Our tip is to ask the practitioner how often they treat newborns. Check what methods they use, and discuss how they determine the appropriate care. A good pediatric chiropractor will encourage you to communicate with your pediatrician. You should never feel rushed or discouraged from seeking medical advice. Also, be sure to check out reviews.
At HealthPro Chiropractic, we offer pediatric chiropractic care in Houston, TX. Reach out to us if you’re looking for a chiropractor for infant reflux, colic, torticollis, or other conditions!
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