We often get phone calls from pregnant women complaining of back pain or headaches. They are seeking relief from their discomfort as they carry their precious cargo through the remaining nine months.  While receiving chiropractic care for themselves, most women are surprised to learn that, upon their arrival in this world, their baby can also be adjusted.

If you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, you may be wondering how on earth a baby can be adjusted. Better yet, why would they need to be?

How

The how is actually quite simple. Because an infant's muscle tone is virtually non-existent, your chiropractor doesn't have to adjust him or her in the same manner as they would adjust an adult. Many chiropractors use a small instrument that "taps" up and down the spine, allowing for movement and realignment of the vertebrae. Minor manual manipulation is done by simply applying gentle pressure with the fingers. It can be comparable to the amount of pressure you would put on your eyeball when putting in a contact or removing an eyelash from your eye.

Why

Why not? While babies don't have the stresses of the world to cause muscle tension, consider what they have been through. That "fetal position" your baby has been in for nine months and then loves so much once arriving can cause strain on the spine. In addition, while birth is hard on the mother's body, it is also difficult for a tiny baby's body to endure. The trauma of childbirth can cause subluxations in a baby's spine.

What do chiropractors treat babies for?

When you take an infant to see your chiropractor, they can simply check your child's spine to make sure he or she does not have any issues and that your baby is developing well. Taking your child to a chiropractor in the early days of his or her life to have their spine checked can be not only beneficial to the child but also to mom and dad's peace of mind! Many infants suffer from reflux issues or colic. Your chiropractor may be able to help! Subluxations in the spine can often cause these issues. Usually a few adjustments can help to alleviate reflux or colic issues. As your child goes through the normal stages of development such as learning to crawl and walk, he or she will likely fall, run into things, or have trouble with balance. Getting your child adjusted during these early developmental stages can help keep him or her healthy for years to come.

There are many reasons to have your infant checked by your chiropractor. If you have questions or concerns, Chiropractic Partners is happy to address them anytime. Call us today.