Taking a Baby to a Chiropractor?

Summary

New parents often wonder whether chiropractic care is necessary for babies, especially since they don’t experience back pain. The truth is, chiropractors help by improving spinal function, which can enhance the brain's ability to process body movements. Babies may experience spinal issues from the cramped conditions in the womb or stress during delivery. Research shows that many newborns have problems with neck and lower back movement, which chiropractors aim to address. Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce crying and improve sleep in babies, making it a beneficial option, particularly for those born through difficult or prolonged labor.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chiropractors help babies by improving spinal function, not to treat back pain.
• 😀 The goal of chiropractic care for babies is to support the brain's ability to process bodily functions.
• 😀 The cramped environment in the womb can lead to spinal and skull issues for babies.
• 😀 Strains from delivery, such as passing through the birth canal or assisted delivery, can affect the baby's spine and nervous system.
• 😀 A 2015 study found that most newborns had spinal issues that could benefit from manual therapy.
• 😀 Over 90% of babies in the study had neck movement issues, and even more had lower back problems.
• 😀 The longer the labor, the more likely babies are to have spinal and skull movement problems.
• 😀 Chiropractic care may help babies cry less and sleep better when appropriately applied.
• 😀 Chiropractic treatment is considered safe for babies when performed correctly.
• 😀 It's a good idea to have babies checked by a chiropractor, especially after long or difficult births, to ensure a good start in life.

Q & A

Why might a chiropractor help a baby if babies don't have back pain?

Chiropractors help babies to improve spinal function, aiming to enhance the brain's ability to process the body's functions, thus giving the child the best possible start in life.

What are the potential reasons a baby's spine might not function properly?

A baby’s spine can be affected by the cramped space during pregnancy or strains during delivery, such as passing through the birth canal or the use of forceps, leading to possible injuries to the spine or nervous system.

How does a long or difficult labor impact a baby's spine?

A longer labor increases the likelihood of problems with the way a baby's spine and skull move, as found in research studies.

What did the 2015 study on newborns reveal about their spinal health?

The study found that nearly all newborns had spinal issues that could benefit from care by a manual therapist, with over 90% of the babies showing problems with neck movement and many also with lower back issues.

What does chiropractic care aim to address in newborns?

Chiropractors focus on improving spinal movement and function in newborns, which may help with their overall development and brain function.

Can chiropractic care help babies with crying or sleeping problems?

Yes, research has suggested that chiropractic care may help reduce crying and improve sleep in babies when applied appropriately.

Is chiropractic care considered safe for babies?

Yes, chiropractic care is generally regarded as safe for babies when performed by trained professionals.

Should parents consider chiropractic care for their babies after a difficult birth?

Yes, especially if the birth was long or difficult, having a chiropractor check the baby could help ensure they get the best possible start in life.

How can a baby's skull shape be affected during pregnancy?

The pressure in the mother's uterus can cause changes in the shape of the baby’s skull, which may affect spinal function and overall development.

What is the goal of chiropractors when they work with babies?

The goal is to improve spinal function, which can enhance the baby's brain's ability to process bodily functions and ensure a better start in life.