One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Should my baby be checked by a Chiropractor?” The real question is: “Why is your baby not under chiropractic care?”
Before we can answer why infants should be checked by a chiropractor, we have to understand what chiropractic is. Chiropractors work with the nervous system—the information highway that coordinates all of our bodily functions, including breathing, digestion, and immune responses. When the spine is misaligned, nerve messages are interrupted and may result in impaired nerve function. Chiropractic adjustments are intended to address these misalignments and support proper nervous system function, allowing a child to function at their fullest potential.
Why Would My Baby Have Nerve Interference?
A recent study showed that 80% of infants have some sort of nerve interference from the birth process. Unfortunately, this problem is often under-publicized and under-treated. During the average birth, a doctor may use significant pressure to help guide the baby through the birth canal. The likelihood of nerve interference may increase with additional birth interventions such as prolonged labor, medications used to increase contractions, vacuum or forceps extraction, or cesarean section delivery. Imagine the effects this can have on an infant’s spine and nervous system.
What Happens When There Is Nerve Interference?
In most cases, infants may not present with any symptoms initially. Other times, newborns may experience colic, irritability, difficulty feeding or latching, eczema and skin irritations, digestive issues, sleeping problems, or other challenges associated with nervous system function. If left undetected and unaddressed, these issues may continue to affect a child as they grow and develop.
So Why Is Chiropractic Important This Early in Life?
Given that 65% of a child’s brain and nervous system development occurs during the first year of life, it is important to support healthy nervous system function during this crucial period. Each child deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Kids?
Chiropractic care is commonly used by both children and adults. Infants are adjusted much differently than adults because of their small size and stage of development. Pediatric chiropractic adjustments typically involve gentle fingertip pressure applied to specific areas of the spine.
Get Involved
Do you take your children to a chiropractor? We’d love to hear your reason for starting—or not starting—care for your family. Call Blossom Family Chiropractic at 727-498-5643 or book online at blossomfamilychiropractic.com
