Pediatric Chiropractic Care

"Why does a baby need chiropractic care?"
This is something many people will ask. The reasons are the same as for an adult, stress on the neuromusculoskeletal system (it just shows up differently in their bodies than in an adult). The birth process, even one without any interventions, can produce stress on an infant's developing spine, especially the neck and pelvis. These irritations or stress can cause many health complaints. This includes what is known as torticollis (head turning preference) which can more easily be identified as one side breastfeeding preferences. If this condition persists and little one will only lie facing one direction, it can lead to plagiocephaly otherwise known as flat head syndrome (more on that in another blog). Another cause of head turning preference is caused by one of the muscles in the neck called the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) for short may become hypertonic or tight, causing neck to be tilted and rotated to the opposite side and making other movements difficult.  Dysfunction of the TMJ or jaw can also lead to latching issues if baby is unable to fully engage the mouth in the sucking action or even able to fully open their jaw. 

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"You adjust babies!?"
Chiropractic care for infants is a gentle technique that is very different from an adult adjustment. If you think of the structure of an infant spine versus an adult spine, they are very different and care is modified for these differences. Chiropractors are trained during their  4-year curriculum about pre-and ante-natal care. This includes topics such as embryology, genetics, congenital and developmental defects, maturation of the skeletal system and more. There are also 50+ hours education on of paediatric diagnosis and management of antenatal care. During the 1-year internship, students care for patients of all ages with the close supervision of an experienced chiropractor.  

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"What is chiropractic care for babies?"
​Chiropractic care includes the assessment, diagnoses, and management of neuromusculoskeletal issues babies are facing. At your little one's appointment, there will be a review of their health history including the birth  history and pregnancy history. A physical exam will also be performed to determine where the dysfunction is and any treatment necessary. After sharing the findings and reviewing informed consent for care with the parents, care options will be presented. The management of any issues may include safe and gentle modified pediatric-specific adjustments, soft tissue therapy, gentle mobilizations, exercise, postural corrections and lifestyle counselling for the parents to help their little one maintain a properly functioning nervous system. 

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"What health complaints are commonly seen?"
Chiropractic care for babies commonly sees complaints of nursing difficulty, poor latching, muscle imbalances, head rotation preference, plagiocephaly, and  general spinal health checks. It is important to know that your child's spine and nervous system grow more than 300% in the first three years and many developmental milestones are being met which create movement and neurological patterns within their brain and body. Each milestone grows upon the previous one. For example the ability to hold their head up creates the curve within their neck and builds strength and neuro-communication to the brain. As children grow and explore their world,  many experience injuries such as bumps, falls, and bruises. These are important times to have your child checked by a chiropractor. 

For more information, check out the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association website here.

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Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a Chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem. ​

References

1. Hawk C, Schneider MJ, Vallone S, Hewitt EG: Best practices for chiropractic care of children: a consensus update. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2016, 39(3):158-168. https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(16)00062-2/pdf
2. Angela J. Todd, Matthew T. Carroll, et. al., Adverse Events due to chiropractic and other Manual Therapies for Infants and Children: A Review of the Literature, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, November/December 2015.
3. Hayes NM, Bezilla TA. Incidence of iatrogenesis associated with osteopathic manipulative treatment of pediatric patients. J AM Osteopath Assoc. 2006;106:606–608.
4. Vohra S, Johnston BC, Cramer K, Humphreys K. Adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2007;119:275–283.
5. Miller JE, Benfield K. Adverse effects of spinal manipulative therapy in children younger than 3 years: a retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic. Jour Manip Physiol Ther. 2008; 31(6):419–422.
6. Doyle MF. Is chiropractic paediatric care safe? A best evidence topic. Clinical Chiropractic. 2011;14(3):97–105.