A baby can experience several kinds of physical complications during childbirth. If a newborn has a misaligned spine, they can suffer digestive problems, develop asthma or have difficulty breastfeeding. New parents often do not think to associate these conditions with a need for a spinal adjustment. Still, a chiropractor with experience caring for newborns can properly assess the baby and help to bring them relief – and to correct any issues before they become worse.

You may wonder if chiropractic treatment is safe for infants and newborns within the first few weeks of life, but there is no need to worry.

Chiropractors experienced in infant care utilize gentle, soft pressure to help restore nervous system function and encourage the baby’s body to heal itself. While sometimes the baby may cry, it is simply because they are unfamiliar with what is happening – but adjustments are not painful in any way.

Pediatric chiropractic care can also increase a child’s mobility and boost their immune system. If you are the parent of a newborn, here are some reasons to consider a visit to the chiropractor.

Facilitates physical development: An infant’s body undergoes many changes in a short period of time. Lower back and neck curvatures begin to form as they start to hold their head up or as they later learn to sit upright. Spinal alignments allow curvatures to develop properly, positively influencing physical development and posture as your child grows.
Boosts recovery after childbirth: The birthing process can adversely affect the nerves in a child’s body, and gentle manipulations during their adjustments can help fix nerve problems and alleviate tension. As an infant’s spine is aligned properly, the nerve dysfunction that can lead to breathing difficulties, reflux, sleeping issues, and colic is remediated.
Supports the immune system: Many people do not understand that the spine affects the immune system. As the nervous system travels through the spine, any misalignment can result in irritated or inflamed nerve pathways, impacting all bodily systems – including the immune system. Through spinal adjustments, an infant’s body works to release disease-fighting cells, enhancing immune function.
Alleviates colic symptoms: Colic may be related to an immature gastrointestinal system, resulting in gas buildup and indigestion. Without some form of release, the gas is trapped and causes pain and bloating. If your baby has been diagnosed with colic by their pediatrician, a trip to the chiropractor may be in order. A skilled pediatric chiropractor will perform subtle manipulations that stimulate the nerve flow to their small intestines, increasing the peristalsis that assists their system in eliminating gas and liquid.
Soothes irritability and fussiness: While it is not uncommon for a newborn baby to be fussy, understanding and identifying the underlying cause can be difficult. Their fussiness could be caused by mobility restrictions in the spine, resulting in sleeping difficulties, headaches, and more. By improving a baby’s overall health, comfort, and well-being, irritability is minimized.

It is never too early to begin chiropractic treatment, but it is essential to find a chiropractor who is both comfortable and experienced in infant care.

Dr. Ryan Johnson is a Sarasota-based chiropractor specializing in care for the entire family – beginning with prenatal adjustments and continuing during the first weeks of life. In fact, Dr. Johnson’s youngest patient was merely hours old when she received her first adjustment.
If you are interested in holistic care for your child, call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Johnson of Integrated Chiropractic. We look forward to meeting you and your family.