 Chiropractic
for babies
Imagine the scenario; you've fed and winded your baby, changed his
nappy, made sure he's not too hot or too cold, soothed and comforted him,
sung his favourite lullabies, and still he's unsettled.
In fact, he's downright miserable. For many of you, this scene doesn't
need imagining - you're living it on a daily basis.
However, the reason for your baby's unhappiness could quite simply
be down to his birth. Even better, there may be a simple yet effective
solution.
How does the birth process affect my baby's spine?
Most signs of newborn injury seen in the delivery room are to do with
the nervous system. During the birth process, several factors may cause
damage to your baby's spine, especially his neck.
· The second stage of labour - During the pushing stage of labour,
your baby's spine is under a great deal of pressure from the squeezing
and pushing of your contractions.
· Induction - Many labours are induced, usually with a drug called
Syntocinon, which can produce harder and faster contractions, and a quick
birth, putting even more pressure on your baby's spine.
· Position - Many mothers tend to lie on their back to deliver
their baby. This position reduces the size of the pelvic opening by up
to 1 and a half centimetres, so as well as passing through a smaller birth
canal, your baby is also fighting against gravity to be born, which is
adding further stress on his spine.
· Delivery - As birth has become more assisted the risks of spinal
damage has increased. For example, when the midwife delivers your baby's
head then shoulders, his spine is twisted one way then the other. Other
medical interventions that can cause greater twisting of your baby's spine
include the use of ventouse, forceps and caesareans.
Are there any signs or symptoms of birth trauma?
Many babies are born with slight damage to their spines. Serious injuries
such as dislocations and fractures are usually noticed at the time of
delivery but often minor problems go unnoticed, and parents are left with
an apparently healthy but unhappy baby.
However, slight damage to your baby's spine may cause several problems,
leading to an irritable baby and desperate parents. These include:
- Colic
- Poor feeding
- Unsettled sleep patterns
- Crying, restless, easily startled
- Unhappy lying on his back
- Prefers to feed on one side
- Reflux
- Tendency to face one side
- Plagiocephaly, or flat head
How can chiropractic treatment help?
 Chiropractic
is the third largest field of medicine, and uses gentle pressure and manipulation
of the spine to relieve irritation on the nerves which run through the
centre of the spinal column. The spinal cord carries information throughout
the body and is responsible for all bodily functions, so if the bones
in the spine are even slightly twisted, this can cause a knock-on effect
to the rest of the body.
Many chiropractors believe that all babies should have their spines assessed
shortly after birth, as they do in the USA. Julian Keel, a doctor of chiropractic
specialising in pregnancy and paediatrics, says: "I feel it is so important
to get babies checked as soon as possible. The treatment of babies has
the effect of relieving the physical discomfort of stresses that have
become 'locked' into the system of connective tissues.
"Birth trauma commonly results in at least one or a combination of symptoms,
all of which can be distressing for parents and baby alike. With gentle
cranial and chiropractic treatment I find these are often resolved."
Research also backs up the effect of chiropractic treatment on common
baby problems.
One study of 1250 babies examined 5 days after birth, found that 211
suffered from vomiting, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. Ninety-five per
cent were found to have spinal abnormalities, and all showed improvement
after chiropractic treatment.
Julian adds, "Recent research in Denmark has provided compelling evidence
that infantile colic can originate from spinal nerve stress and chiropractic
management is significantly more effective than medical treatment with
colic drops.
"The benefits are obvious when parents and baby are sleeping well, feeding
well and are settled and comfortable in their environment."
Is it safe for babies?
Quite simply, yes. Doctors of Chiropractic have been providing safe and
effective care or children for nearly 100 years.
Julian says, "The techniques used by chiropractors and craniopaths specialised
in paediatric care are so gentle, there are no risks unless there has
been major birth trauma involving fracture or dislocation."
How often should treatment be given?
The number of treatments your child may need will vary depending on
his symptoms and his age.
Julian says: "Usually treatment is over 4-5 visits at 4 day intervals
for newborns, but may involve more sessions for older infants depending
on the history, condition and severity of symptoms."
The cost of a chiropractic treatment will vary between doctors but typically
costs about £40 for the initial treatment which lasts for up to an hour,
and then £25 for subsequent visits of about 20 minutes.
 How
do I find a reputable and qualified chiropractor?
Chiropractors are medical professionals who have completed four years
of training.
The chiropractic profession is regulated by the General Chiropractic
Council (GCC), which was established in 1999 and all chiropractors must
be registered with the GCC in order to practise legally in the UK.
If you are seeking treatment for your child then it is best to find
one who is skilled in paediatric care, which involves extra training.
To find a doctor of chiropractic in your area, you can contact the GCC
at;
General Chiropractic Council
44 Wicklow Street
LONDON WC1X 9HL
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7713 5155
Web: www.gcc-uk.org/
Where to next?
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