As a Tree Bends, So It Grows
The Five Most Common Reasons For Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Author: Dr. Savannah Gleaves, DC, CMES, BSc, BA
Most people don’t think about it this way, but oftentimes birth is the first trauma a child experiences.
The term “physiologic birth trauma” is the term used to describe imbalances in the child before or during birth. Musculoskeletal imbalances in a child can occur from how they are positioned in the womb, difficulty traveling down the birth canal, or due to the necessity of instrument assisted birth like the use of forceps or suction. Even a cesarean section delivery can present issues as the head of a baby is designed to travel through the birth canal to develop head shape. In a study put out by the World Health Organization in 2012, musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of pain and the second greatest cause of disability around the world. So why did the doctor say your baby is healthy?!
Because, your doctor isn’t wrong!
Your medical doctor's job is to check for life threatening conditions like brain injury, oxygen deprivation - the life and death stuff. And they’re really good at this part! Chiropractors investigate pain, imbalances, compressions, muscle strains - the quality of life stuff. In infancy, responses to these conditions are most commonly seen as excessive crying, poor sleeping habits, and ineffective feeding of the child.
In infants, chiropractic care may look very different than what one expects. Most care is muscle treatment and quite gentle. As children get older, you may see more traditional techniques used, however pressure is still minimal. Every case is different; this is why it is so important to have a thorough evaluation of the child including their birth story and any signs the parents have noticed, visual observations, vitals, reflex testing, and palpation. Conditions treated are wide ranging, so I’ve compiled some research regarding the top five reasons I see kids in my chiropractic clinic. But remember, every case is unique and should be treated as such!
Torticollis:
A tight neck or inability to turn the head both directions is most commonly linked to a muscle imbalance in the neck. This condition can lead to inability to feed on both sides resulting in difficulty for both mother and child. A study was done at the University Children's Hospital of Belgrade to assess treatment necessity of torticollis. Research concluded that the younger the child, the quicker they responded to care.
Feeding Issues:
Breast milk is perfectly designed to nourish a child. Statistically, breast fed babies are healthier and maintain their weight easier than those on artificial formula. Mothers are often blamed for inability to breastfeed, but research is showing that babies who are born with intervention (cesarean section, suction, etc) are more likely to switch to formula feeding with more than half of those who switched being reported as biomechanics issues.
This means if we can decrease the imbalances and discomfort in the baby, successful breastfeeding should increase. Babies should all be checked at birth for a “suck reflex” but oftentimes, the muscle development in the face and mouth is imbalanced leading to less than ideal feeding. Chiropractic care can help with proper latching and feeding to help the journey be more smooth.
Ear Infections:
Otitis Media, the medical term for ear infections, affects two-thirds (2⁄3) to three-quarters (3⁄4) of the children in the USA by age 3 with one-third (1⁄3) of those having at least three occurrences before age 3. It is the most common reason for a child under 15 years old to visit a medical office. Antibiotics are useful for bacterial infections, but often, ear aches are not bacterial. Clogged fluid in the canal, or pressure behind the eardrum can lead to discomfort for any age. Depending on the cause, a chiropractor can often offer relief of these symptoms before antibiotic intervention is necessary. In one study, 78% of cases of otitis media in children under 15 were corrected by removing food allergens from the diet mostly in the form of cows milk and wheat. This is likely due to the inflammatory properties of these foods causing recurrent flare ups.
Colic:
Colic occurs in 20%-39% of infants. Colic by definition is crying for three hours a day, three days a week, for more than three weeks and typically refers to stomach pain. A Danish study showed that chiropractic care applied to infantile colic had 54% cure and 37% were improved within two weeks of starting care. Colic can be related to digestion distress but may also just be excessive crying due to other pain. As your child’s physician, we do a thorough examination to determine the cause of the discomfort before beginning any treatment. According to a 2009 cohort study, without treatment, infantile colic has been shown to lead to behavioral problems in childhood.
Head Trauma & Concussions:
There are many classes of concussions in children. These range from mild with short term side effects to traumatic brain injuries. A US survey published in 2021 estimates prevalence of Lifetime Concussions/Head Injury as high as 7% for children and upwards of 18% for adolescents 17 years and under. Oftentimes, the more mild injuries go without evaluation or care due to lack of available providers trained in post head injury care. It is important to note that a sideline screening and a full cognitive evaluation are different examinations. Having your child checked after any head trauma is important, but knowing their baseline could help your doctor take even better care of your child.
Other Conditions:
There are many other conditions that chiropractic has been shown to positively affect. These include but are not limited to Nocturnal Enuresis, (otherwise known as bedwetting), sinus and allergies issues, ear inflammation (as previously mentioned), constipation, trouble sleeping, inflammation, gas pains, and generalized discomfort. Chiropractic can make a difference in the quality of life for infants and children and it all begins with a safe, gentle examination to determine if the spine and nerve system need specialized care; chiropractic care.
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