Babies & Infants Need Chiropractic Care, Too!
IN BRIEF
PEDIATRICS
Kim Thor
DC
A young spine usually develops perfectly by the end of pregnancy, with a few exceptions. What occurs around the time of birth and during the months afterward can sometimes upset the spine’s normal functioning. Spinal segments can be pushed out of place or jammed by the position of the baby in the womb; they also experience problems during labor from the trauma of the trip through the birth canal or the birthing process.
Spinal problems also can occur because of frequent falls young infants have in the first months of life. For an infant, a fall from a bed, a sudden stop in an automobile, or any significant unsupported movement of the head and neck can induce excessive movement in the spine, causing vertebral subluxations. (Subluxation is a tenn for a vertebral segment in the spine that has misaligned and is putting pressure on the surrounding structures, which puts pressure on the adjacent nerve.)
How Can Parents Recognize Childhood Spinal Problems?
Unless a child has an obvious problem, it can be difficult for parents to recognize when a child has spinal subluxations. It is not always easy for someone other than a chiropractor highly trained in evaluating the spine to determine if the child has a problem, just as it is difficult for someone other than a dentist to detennine if a child has any cavities. Both cases require the skills of a trained specialist to perfonn a thorough evaluation. However, parents should look for signs that could indicate spinal problems for their child.
Common indicators of spinal problems may include:
• Child’s head tilted to one side
• Restricted head or neck motion to one side
• Disturbed sleeping patterns
• Feeding difficulties for a very young infant
• Difficulty nursing at the breast on one side
• Persistent earaches
• Sore throats
• Colic
• Bed-wetting
• Growing pains
• Constipation
Dr. Kim Thor, a second-generation chiropractor from Nebraska, has been in practice for 14 years.She is an author, coach at The Chiropractor’s Journey, and advocates natural healthcare for children. To learn more visitdrkimthor.com.
