7 signs your newborn should see a chiropractor
Ear infections
Chronic ear infections are a sign that fluid is collecting in your child’s ear canal (eustachian tube) instead of properly draining. As fluid collects, bacteria begin to colonize the fluid which leads to infection. Specific, targeted chiropractic adjustments help promote drainage through the eustachian tube while supporting immune function to decrease the frequency of ear infections.
Post birth recovery
Birth is a stressful, physically demanding experience for both mom and child. When baby is coming out of the birth canal, a lot of stress occurs in the upper neck. After birth, all babies should be checked by a chiropractor for damage to the upper neck structures. A healthy spine and nervous system are crucial from proper growth and development.
Sleep issues
When we see sleep issues in kiddos, it tells us they are having a tough time activating their parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest branch). Specific, targeted adjustments help restore balance to the autonomic nervous system by activating the rest and digest branch.
Constipation
Along similar lines, when the rest and digest system is not active, kiddos have issues with digestion. When the sympathetic system is overactive, it slows down digestion which leads to constipation.
Torticollis (child favors looking to one side)
This is a clear-cut sign that there is damage to your child’s upper neck. When we see a child that is favoring one side, it is an effort by their body to avoid a damaged structure in the top of their neck. This is a clear indication to bring your child to a chiropractor.
colic
Colic usually stems from one of two issues. First, the child may be uncomfortable leading to excessive crying. Chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal mechanics and other issues (constipation, sleep, etc) can improve this problem. Second, the child’s sympathetic (fight or flight) system may be overactive leading to a constant stress response which is expressed as crying. Specific, targeted chiropractic adjustments can help with both causes of colic.
Reflux
This goes hand in hand with constipation. As digestion is slowed down due to an overactive sympathetic system, food gets pushed back up from the stomach leading to reflux.
These are 7 of the most common reasons to bring your newborn to the chiropractor. If your child suffers from any one of these, bring them in to see if we can help!
