Infant Chiropractor: What Parents Need to Know

Parents always search different healthcare services for the good health and safety of their children. Like other professionals like joint chiropractor, scoliosis chiropractor or emergency chiropractor, the choice of infant chiropractor is becoming famous but it is not known by many people. This article will provide you with knowledge about  the role of infant chiropractor,  the possible pros and cons and how parents can determine that this type of care is good for their babies.

What is an Infant Chiropractor?

An infant chiropractor is a healthcare specialist who is well trained and provides chiropractic care to babies and young child.These chiropractors are specially trained to work with the fragile bodies of infants and emphasize on mild methods for the well-being and relief.

Common Reasons for Needing an Infant Chiropractor

 Health and comfort of a baby is the top priority of parents. When your baby is not feeling well,it is difficult to understand what to choose for the baby. Parents choose chiropractic care for their infants as an option.

1. Colic: Easing Persistent Crying and Fussiness

Many infants suffer from colic which is marked by continuous weeping and irritability without any obvious reason. Chiropractors who are trained in infant care may utilize mild adjustments to ease stress in the spine of the baby and nervous system, potentially helping in reducing symptoms of colic.

2. Reflux: Addressing Gastroesophageal Discomfort

Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is another common problem in infants. Gastric contents move back into the esophagus which makes the baby uncomfortable and the baby vomits all the time. Infant chiropractor helps to improve digestion and lessen the frequency of gastric reflux episodes by realigning the spine and focusing on the healthy activity of nerves.

3. Sleep Issues: Improving Sleep Patterns

Many infants face sleep issues which include difficulty in sleeping, staying asleep and usually walking at night. Sleep cycles are improved by the help of infant chiropractors. They treat underlying problems that are linked with spinal alignment or nervous system function. Chiropractic adjustments may help both the parent and baby sleep well by making sure that the baby’s spine and nerves are working properly.

4. Breastfeeding Difficulties: Enhancing Latch and Comfort

Breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon, but it is not that easy. When the baby faces difficulty in latching and nursing properly both the baby and the mother suffer from disappointment and annoyance. These problems are sometimes due to misalignment in the spine or jaw of the baby in some cases. A chiropractor makes breastfeeding a more learning experience for both mother and child by evaluating  and gently adjusting these areas to enhance the baby’s ability to latch and nurse without any discomfort.

5. Torticollis: Correcting Neck Muscle Imbalance 

When a baby’s head bends to one side this condition is called torticollis which is usually as a result of stiffness and improper balance in the neck muscles. Babies can become unable to  move their head properly which may have an impact on the comfort levels when feeding and sleeping. In order to improve the baby’s range of motion and comfort, moderate adjustments and stretches are often used in chiropractic therapy for newborns with torticollis.

6. Birth Trauma: Addressing the Effects of a Difficult Delivery

The process of birth is tough for both the mother and the baby. Babies may suffer from birth trauma which can cause injury in the head,neck or spine in some cases. Babies who have gone through tough delivery can have certain benefits from a well trained infant chiropractor.It may help in reducing the long term consequences of birth trauma.

How Does Infant Chiropractor Work?

Mild and specific readjustments are involved in the infant chiropractic care. With the help of their hands chiropractors put  mild pressure on the baby’s spine or other joints, which is not more than the pressure we apply on the tomato to examine whether it is ripe or not. The purpose of these adjustments is to enhance the function of the nervous system and overall well being.

Top 10 Techniques Used by Infant Chiropractor

The goal of chiropractic care is to provide mild and specialized care which is beneficial for promoting health and wellbeing of infant patients. More force and pressure are applied in chiropractic care of adults but infant chiropractic includes delicate methods that are important for the safety of babies.

1. Gentle Spinal Adjustment

Mild spinal adjustment is a frequently used method in infant chiropractic care. Light pressure is applied in these adjustments which is not more than the pressure we use to check whether the tomato is ripe or not.The aim is to readjust any misalignment that might be harming the nervous system and health of the baby.

2. Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a procedure that emphasizes on the bones of the skull, the spine, and the sacrum (a large and triangular bone at the base of the spine). The chiropractor will apply light touch to examine  and relieve any limitations in the craniosacral system during craniosacral therapy.

3. Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy includes gentle massage of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.This method is used to relieve stress in areas like shoulders, neck and back in infant chiropractic care. Babies who have suffered birth trauma or who have painful conditions like torticollis (when baby’s neck muscles cause their head to twist and move to one side) may benefit especially from soft tissue therapy.

4. Infant Massage

Another frequently used method in chiropractic care for babies is infant massage. Gentle strokes and movements are involved in this method for relaxing the muscles of the baby and improving circulation. Infant massage can be especially beneficial for babies who are suffering  from colic, gas, or teething. 

5. Toggle Recoil Technique

The toggle recoil technique is a special chiropractic adjustment method. It uses a rapid, light push to adjust the spine. Chiropractors apply a little amount of force which makes this technique more gentle in infant care. For restoring proper alignment and function of the spine this technique is accurate and well designed.

6. Thompson Technique

The Thompson technique is also called the drop-table technique. In this method a specialized table is used that drops to a small degree as the chiropractor applies a gentle adjustment. The Thompson technique is frequently applied for correcting misalignments to adjust the spine and pelvis.

7. Activator Method

The activator method is a method  that involves the use of a small handheld device which is called activator. It conveys a measured and mild impulse to the spine. Minimum force is applied in this method for precise adjustments that’s why this method is extremely beneficial in infant chiropractic care.

8. Logan Basic Technique

A technique that focuses on the sacrum and the neighboring ligaments is called Logan basic technique. Gentle pressure is applied on the sacrum by the infant chiropractor which can assist to balance the pelvis and enhance the posture and comfort of the baby.

9. Pediatric SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique)

A technique that emphasizes the association between the sacrum and occiput is Pediatric SOT. This technique includes  very mild adjustments to these regions which helps in ensuring proper alignment and function of the nervous system.

10. Infant Reflexology

Infant reflexology is not a chiropractic adjustment but it is often used in combination with chiropractic care to enhance overall wellness. In Reflexology mild pressure is applied on specific points of the baby’s feet  that are linked with different organs and systems of the body.

How Infant Chiropractor is Differ from Adult Chiropractor

Aspect	Infant Chiropractic Care	Adult Chiropractic Care
Methods	Mild pressure is applied with the help of tips of fingers or a light touch.	Thrusts with high speed and low amplitude or adjustments made manually.
Force Applied	Very light force which is similar to pressure used to test the ripeness of tomato.	More force and pressure are applied for the adjustment of the spine and joints.
Sessions Duration	Brief sessions usually for 5 to 10 minutes.	Extensive sessions usually for 15 to 30 minutes or more.
Frequency of Care	Initially visits are shorter and more frequent.	Varies,once initial problems are resolved then it is typically less frequent.
Tools	Specific tools are used such as activator instrument with minimum force	Variety of tools are used such as activator,drop tables or flexion-distraction tables.
Primary Care Goals	Designed to promote growth and also resolve specific problems such as infant colic,sleep disruptions or nursing difficulties.	Aim is to relieve pain,improve mobility and resolve specific musculoskeletal problems.
Patient Interaction	Close interaction with parents is involved for monitoring and assessing progress;infants can’t express pain and discomfort verbally.	Patients have direct interaction regarding pain,discomfort and treatment selection.
Concerns of Spinal Structure	Requires careful handling because infant spine is more cartilaginous and flexible	During adjustments more emphasis is placed on alignment correction and nerve pressure relief.
Nervous System Response	Infants have a very sensitive neurological system, thus adjustments are made to prevent overstimulation.	Adjustments are primarily focused to correct misalignments zand relieve nerve pressure.
Post Adjustment Care	Infant behavior, feeding and sleep patterns after adjustment are closely monitored.	Post-adjustment exercises and lifestyle changes are advised.
Management of Risks	Minimum risk methods that focused on the safety of infants.	Combination of physical examinations,patient history and imaging if necessary are used to control risks.
Informed Consent	For safety and necessity of adjustments informed consent is provided by the parents or guardians.	Based on clear understanding of potential benefits and risks informed consent is provided by the adult.

Potential Risks of Infant Chiropractic Care

While infant chiropractic care is usually regarded safe but there are some possible risks that should be aware of:

Overstimulation of the Nervous System: 

The nervous system of an infant is in the development phase. Some specialists are concerned that improperly executed adjustments can overstimulate or interrupt this process.

Injuries: 

There is a possible risk of injury such as muscle strain or joint damage, if the chiropractor applies greater force and pressure and does not apply the technique properly.

Underlying Medical Conditions:

 If the medical condition of an infant is not diagnosed properly , chiropractic care can make the issue more worse.

Choosing the Right Infant Chiropractor

Selection of a good chiropractor for your infant is an important decision that needs mindful thought and consideration.Few are mentioned below:

Check Credentials and Training

Make sure that the chiropractor has a license and is well trained in pediatric chiropractic care.

Look for Experience

Select a chiropractor who is well experienced in treating infants. Seek recommendations from other parents or healthcare providers.

Consult Your Pediatrician

 Before beginning chiropractic care always consult with your pediatrician. They can offer insightful information and guarantee that this is a suitable and safe decision for the baby.

Success Stories

Positive experiences with chiropractic therapy for infants have been reported by many parents. For example, some parents shared that colic symptoms of their baby are greatly improved after few visits. This results in improving sleep and decreased fussiness of infants.

Professional Endorsements

 For conditions like colic and reflux, a number of pediatricians and other medical professionals recommend chiropractic care as an adjunct to conventional medical treatments.

Potential Alternatives to Chiropractic Care

If you are not satisfy with the chiropractic care for your infant, other alternative options to consider are:

Physical Therapy: 

Using exercises and mild techniques pediatric physical therapists can treat infants to resolve problems like torticollis or delay in growth.

Osteopathy:

 Pediatric osteopaths use different methods for treatment but they utilize mild manipulation methods that are similar to chiropractic care.

Infant Massage:

Colic and sleep problems can be resolved by infant massage which is a relaxing method. For infant massage there is no need for spinal adjustments.

Conclusion

There are many benefits of infant chiropractic care which includes improving sleep patterns, promoting breastfeeding and reducing the symptoms of colic. However, it is crucial to ensure that you choose a qualified and experienced chiropractor and to consult with your pediatrician before starting treatment. It is very important to make sure that you select a qualified and well experienced infant chiropractor and also consult with a pediatrician before proceeding with the chiropractic care. By following these instructions, you can contribute to confirming that your child is receiving safe and efficient care.