BABIES, CHILDREN & CHIROPRACTIC CARE....

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor

(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing, Webster Cert)

Many people ask, "why should a child or infant see a Chiropractor?" The simple answer is, because of life! From the birth process, to learning to sit, crawl, walk and run, children experience a multitude of traumas, bumps, falls and ‘minor’ injuries. In the community minor injuries are viewed as incidences that are not life threatening and that don’t require further attention. However the human body can only take so much and will continue to compensate and adapt, until it can no longer… "So the twig is bent, the tree will grow", and then we develop symptoms.

The human body is an incredible machine that is able to adapt to its environment and compensate for comfort and function. This is where a chiropractor comes into the picture as they look at 'minor' slightly different to other health practitioners. In saying that, chiropractors examine and look beyond the surface or the symptoms. Chiropractors locate and correct spinal dysfunctions (commonly referred to as subluxations). Subluxations are minor misalignments/ dysfunction of vertebral joints that may cause interference to the nervous system and joint function. Simply, the nervous system is the master controller of the entire human body and subluxation may affect our ability to express full health potential when the spine is not properly performing its role to protect the intricate peripheral nerves and the delicate spinal cord. 

As for our beautiful bundles of joy, the birth process can involve harsh interventions that can cause musculoskeletal trauma. If left uncorrected babies may experience side effects such as unsettledness, sleep difficulty, aberrant neck movement/ torticollis, unexplained crying and breastfeeding trouble (side preference). Chiropractic care is not a miracle cure for all ailments, though with a focus on prevention, and with a gentle, holistic and natural approach may just help your baby, child or children through their growing years with less hurdles and struggle.

Newborns and Toddlers

Babies spend nine months developing in a warm, buoyant, fluid environment, where they spend their time swimming, somersaulting and relaxing. With birth intervention rates increasing each year, babies often go from this peaceful environment to an adrenalin dominant and stressed state. Forceps, vacuum suction, back/ supine birthing, epidural, induction, manual distraction and caesarean sections can all cause undue strain to the baby's vulnerable spine and nervous system, leading to poor neck strength and an aversion to 'tummy time' (which is an important neuro-musculoskeletal exercise). As our babies develop and learn to crawl and walk, they stumble, bump and fall regularly. This minor physical trauma can lead to all sorts of symptoms and poor function and development. Commonly their gait (walking pattern) can be incorrect with the sacrum and pelvis rotating, causing one foot to face in. These are good indicators for considering a chiropractic check-up. 

Colic/ Unsettled Baby Syndrome

Chiropractors often find that infantile colic can be associated with spinal function and nervous system dysfunction (specifically in the upper neck or cervical spine), which again can arise from the physical stresses endured during the birthing process.

Chiropractic is known for it fast results when it comes to something like colic, however if the problem is beyond spinal function chiropractic may not be the answer. Various studies over the past 20yrs have confirmed that chiropractic care can reduce crying time in babies with colic and is an effective treatment for babies with colic. Chiropractic is not a treatment for reflux.

Young Children & Adolescents

As our children grow, it is vital that we ensure that their body is adaptive, resilient and strong. Throughout life, the spine and nervous system is susceptible to insult from; falls, accidents, sports related injuries, poor posture, carrying heavy school bags and a sedentary lifestyle (which is becoming a BIG problem of the 21^st century!). Similar to new babies and toddlers, seeing a chiropractor regularly throughout childhood and adolescence may give your body a better opportunity to self-heal and regulate (as it is designed to do). Conditions which chiropractic may be effective in correcting in this age group are; headaches, back and neck pain and poor posture.

To correct spinal dysfunction there are a variety of adjusting techniques which chiropractors use that are always customised to each individual to suit the child’s size, weight and unique spinal issues. Chiropractic care for children is gentle and safe. During your child's initial chiropractic consultation, your chiropractor may recommend that your family use spinal supportive school bags, pillows, mattresses and chairs. For more information on these products please contact The Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA) as they have a terrific range that they endorse or suggest. The CAA toll free number is: 1800 075 003.

In the world that we live in today we are facing an epidemic of obesity and lifestyle disease such as diabetes. In adopting a healthy lifestyle of prevention and maintenance it is integral that we educate ourselves and in turn educate and empower our children... We must teach our children how their body works, why they malfunction and what they can do today in order to ensure a better chance of great health in their future. Chiropractic care is just one part of your family’s and child's healthy lifestyle. For all of us to reach our full potential it is important that we have adequate sleep and rest each day, that we eat a wholesome and well balanced diet (including fish, nuts and healthy fats), that we drink plenty of filtered water each day and that we exercise regularly, outside. Our children are the world’s future leaders, teachers, doctors, dentists, environmentalists, builders, accountants and lawyers etc, so perhaps if we invest some time and effort to show them a healthier way, then just maybe, the world might have a healthier and brighter future.

References: 

1. Chapman-Smith, D. (1989). Infantile Colic – A Study from Denmark. The Chiropractic Report. Vol. 4.
2. Miller, J. (2007). Cry babies: A framework for chiropractic care. Clin Chirop. Vol 10 (3). Pg. 139-146.
3. Giesen, JM. (1989). An evaluation of chiropractic manipulation as a treatment of hyperactivity in children. Journ Manip Phys Therap. Vol 12 (5). Pg. 353-363.
4. Reed, WR. (1994). Chiropractic management of primary nocturnal enuresis. Journ Manip Phys Therap. Vol 17 (9). Pg. 596-600.
5. Graham, RL. (1997). An Impairment Rating Analysis Of Asthmatic Children Under Chiropractic Care. Journ Vert Sublux Res. Vol. 1 (4).
6. Pistoles, RA. (2001). Epilepsy and seizure disorders: A review of literature relative to chiropractic care of children. Journ Manip Phys Therap. Vol 24 (3). Pg. 199-205.