Importance of Chiropractic Care for Newborns | Healthy Start, Optimal Growth
Even when everything seems ideal, a baby’s pregnancy and birth are physically demanding. A groundbreaking 2015 study revealed a startling truth: 99% of healthy newborns had at least one spinal dysfunction at birth. This means that even a seemingly smooth birth can affect a baby’s delicate spine. As a parent, nothing is more important than your child’s health and well-being. That’s why you may be surprised to learn the importance of chiropractic care for newborns.
Why 99 Out of 100 Babies Need Chiropractic Care
A 2015 study showed that it’s essential for infants to be checked by a chiropractor, even if they seem healthy. The study, titled “Incidence of Somatic Dysfunction in Healthy Newborns“, examined the spines of 100 healthy newborns.
The results were astonishing: 99%, (or 99 out of 100), of these newborns had at least one somatic dysfunction, either in the cranium (or skull), the cervical spine (neck) or sacral spine (base of the spine). Labor time was the main factor influencing how many spinal dysfunctions the baby had – the longer the labor, the more spinal dysfunctions. This study helps us understand the physical toll birth has on a baby’s spine and highlights the importance of chiropractic care for newborns.
What is a Somatic Dysfunction?
Somatic dysfunctions in newborns can result from various factors, even before the birth process. During pregnancy, factors like the shape of the mother’s uterus or strain on uterine ligaments can impact the baby’s developing spine. Birth complications and interventions can further compound the issue. Remember, your baby’s body is incredibly adaptable but delicate.
Importance of Chiropractic Care for Newborns
Dr. Faith at Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati specializes in identifying spinal misalignments (subluxations) that can disrupt nervous system function. Think of it like this: your baby’s nervous system is the master control system for their entire body. Any interference can have a ripple effect.
Reduced nervous system interference means less stress on the body, allowing your baby to function optimally. This can lead to improved overall health, immunity, and development. In short, getting your newborn checked by a chiropractor is akin to taking them for a well-baby checkup.
Dr. Faith uses extremely gentle techniques with babies. Adjustments involve fingertip pressure tailored to the infant’s tiny, developing spine. Children are often more responsive than adults to chiropractic adjustments, requiring fewer visits to see lasting benefits.
Research-Based Support
Studies show a high prevalence of spinal misalignments in newborns, despite them not showing immediate outward symptoms. The importance of chiropractic care for newborns lies in building a foundation of health early on. The sooner spinal subluxations are addressed, the less impact they’ll have as your child grows.
Exploring the Impact of Birth on Infant Spinal Health and Pain Relief
When it comes to identifying potential issues, there are key signs that parents should observe without immediate worry.
The principle of symmetry is crucial. Examine the balance in the eyes, ears, jaw, and neck muscles. Specifically, consider the following:
- Eyes: Check if they are the same size and level.
- Jaw: Observe your baby yawning or babbling. Does the jaw open symmetrically? Is there a tendency for it to pull to one side?
- Ears: When looking head-on, is one ear positioned higher or lower than the other?
- Neck: Notice if your baby shows a preference for turning their head to one side, which might indicate torticollis, or if they seem to favor one side during rest or feeding. This could also manifest in discomfort when feeding from a particular side.
Additional indicators that chiropractic care might be beneficial include excessive crying, frequent hand clenching, and significant back arching.
Such symptoms may point to subluxations that could have occurred during or after birth. Chiropractic intervention can promote healthy growth and development by mitigating painful inflammation, offering a pathway to enhanced wellness for your infant.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Newborns
Chiropractors don’t treat specific diseases or conditions. Instead, they pinpoint misalignments that hinder a baby’s nervous system from operating at its best. Benefits of chiropractic care for newborns includes:
- Improved Sleep: Adjustments can help babies sleep more soundly.
- Stronger Immune System: A healthy nervous system means a more robust immune response.
- Reduced Colic and Digestive Issues: Chiropractic care can alleviate gas and aid digestion.
- Better Latching and Breastfeeding: Addressing alignment can improve breastfeeding experiences.
- Optimal Development: A healthy spine supports growth milestones and motor skills.
Spinal misalignments can have a surprising impact on how babies process sensory input. Their tiny nervous systems can easily become overwhelmed. This might show up as fussiness, difficulty soothing, overstimulation, or general discomfort with everyday sensations. Chiropractic care aims to restore balance within the nervous system. With gentle adjustments, babies can develop healthy sensory integration, allowing them to interact with the world around them in a calmer, more comfortable way.
Ready to give your child the best start? Visit Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati. Dr. Faith Swartzendruber specializes in gentle, effective pediatric chiropractic care.
- Schedule an appointment below
- Call us directly at (513) 271-1233
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