Should I take my baby to a Chiropractor?
Below are some factors that may help you decide.*
What is a joint problem in a baby?
A ‘joint problem’ in a baby can be many things, but the most common presentation that we deal with at Sure Start Chiropractic Adelaide is persisting connective tissue pain, sensitivity, and joint guarding in the spine, hips or shoulders. Joint problems can prevent some babies from comfortably and effectively – sleeping, feeding, travelling in the car, lying on their front, lifting their head, crawling, weight bearing and turning their head freely enough to avoid getting a flat head.
Muscle and Joint problems are more likely in babies that have endured prolonged or excessive physical stress to their body in either late pregnancy or during delivery.
Late Pregnancy
As a baby gets larger, their available space in the womb, and their capacity to change position, reduces. If a baby is positioned awkwardly (e.g. head tilted or body twisted) for an extended period (weeks) stress or strain is more likely.
Delivery
Some physical strain on the infant’s body occurs in all deliveries, this is normal. Some deliveries however (both vaginal and caesarean) can involve greater or longer compression or pulling forces. Joint and muscle injury becomes more likely as the size, number and duration of these forces increase.
What can a parent look for?
Late Pregnancy
- Feeling like baby was firmly stuck in one position for days/weeks (especially in the last trimester)
- Feeling like baby was pushed up hard under mother’s ribs, or down into her pelvis or low-back for days/weeks
- Awkward baby positioning i.e., Posterior, Breech or Transverse
- Large baby or Twins (less available space)
- Baby’s head engaged early (spine stress may occur if baby’s body is twisted or tilted relative to the head)
- Low amniotic fluid levels (less padding for baby)
Delivery
- Long labour
- Forceps, Ventouse or heavy pushing/pulling required to help deliver baby
- Stuck shoulder
- Drawn out or complicated Caesarean delivery (not all Caesarean’s are straight forward)
- Premature birth (poor muscle control to support and protect spine in the early weeks after birth)
Observation of your Baby
- Excessive irritability/crying in the first 2-3 months of life, in the absence of other more obvious causes
- Persistent head turn, or head tilt, to one side; especially one that won’t allow you to re-position to the opposite side
- A flat spot developing on their head, at the back or off to one side
- A one-sided breast-feeding preference, especially if milk flow is the same both sides
- Discomfort with Tummy Time, in absence of reflux/excessive wind etc
- Uneven head posture when lifting head during tummy time
- Crying/restlessness primarily when in car seat or capsule
- Difficulty latching/feeding in the absence of technique problems, lip/tongue tie, high palate
- Crawling/walking delay
- Asymmetrical arm/leg use
What will happen if I visit a Chiropractor for my baby?
If you suspect your baby has a spine or joint problem, a visit to an experienced baby Chiropractor is worthwhile. A Chiropractor should be well positioned to help you further investigate what you are seeing and give recommendations. If you visit Sure Start Chiropractic Adelaide for your baby, you are never obligated to start treatment. Our initial visit is designed primarily for assessment and providing parents with answers. We will explain everything as we go and only proceed once you are completely comfortable.
Call our office on 8272 2862 or Book-Online here.
*From this author’s observation, experience and understanding in over 20 years of practice.
