Many parents are not aware, that a child’s spine experience’s its first challenge in utero. Most have heard of fetal positions that can cause problems with delivery, such as breech and posterior lie. However what is less known is that these positions can cause problems with the baby’s spine.  In this manner, even natural birthing processes can stress the spine and nervous system of an infant; not to mention interventions such as forceps, suction, and caesarean section. These interventions, while they appear to most to make the birthing process less traumatic for the mother and the child, they actually create additional traumas to the infants well being.

Many newborn health complaints such as colic, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties, sleep disturbance, allergic reactions, and chronic infection can be traced to irritation of the nervous system. This irritation is often caused by small “misalignments” in the spine and cranium of the baby.

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth, many parents elect to have their newborns spine checked shortly after birth. The first thing a Pediatric trained chiropractor would do for your baby is conduct a thorough history of your health during pregnancy and the babies health prior to the visit. They would also learn about the history of any concerns or complaints the baby or parents have. This consultation would be followed by a complete physical examination of the child’s spine.  This examination would lead to a report of findings with the parents to discuss the results and any recommendations for care and specific adjustments that may be necessary.

Chiropractic adjustments for newborns differ significantly from those performed on adults. Often the chiropractor will use light fingertip pressure on the baby’s back or neck, while other times they may choose to use a hand held instrument to adjust the baby’s spine. Chiropractors sometimes also lightly massage the muscles on either side of the baby’s spine and other relevant areas of the body. Infant adjustments are very gentle, and typically a baby will be soothed by an adjustment, or even sleep through the process!

Finally it should be noted that 65 percent of neurological development (i.e. development of the brain and nervous system) occurs in your child’s first year. It is therefore imperative to ensure your baby has every opportunity to maximize his or her nerve function during this critical period.

If you have any questions about your child’s nervous system or chiropractic care for babies please call Dr. Dierdra at Cornerstone Family Chiropractic (859) 815-9371. Next week we will be discussing Chiropractic care for the active child.