By: Adam Renelt, DC
Updated 4/2/2024
Our Pediatric chiropractors are commonly asked if they work with babies and why an infant may need chiropractic care. Chiropractic can be used on patients of all ages, including infants. Your spine is present from birth onward and misalignments, or subluxations, can occur at any age. In fact, in our office Dr. we have worked with chiropractic patients ranging from 2 days old to 103 years old. Below I will discuss some symptoms that an infant may have that could indicate a need for chiropractic care as well as discuss how we utilize chiropractic care with infants in our office.
Why do Infants Need Chiropractic Care?
When still in their mother’s womb a child is compressed and curled up tightly. Depending on the position and size of the baby this can potentially cause the neck or back to have a misalignment. Also, if the birth is difficult and suction or manual force is used during the birth process this may stress the spine and result in misalignment. Other causes of an infant misalignment may include poor posture when feeding, sleeping, or sitting in a car seat. Many infants that fall asleep in a car seat tend to lean their head and neck to the side. Also, trauma from a fall or falls when learning to crawl or walk could cause stress to the spine. Older siblings or playing with other children could also lead to injuries that may benefit from chiropractic care.
Signs an Infant Needs a Chiropractic Adjustment
Unfortunately, an infant can’t tell you that they have pain. So how do you know if an infant needs a chiropractic adjustment? Signs of subluxation in an infant can vary. Sometimes they may be irritable or have colic. This irritability may be a sign that they have discomfort. If they squirm or act uncomfortable whenever a specific spot on their back or neck is touched it may indicate the area is painful. Other times, they may show signs of not functioning well. Signs of poor function may include poor sleep, difficulty nursing, constipation, diarrhea or spitting up a lot (reflux). Other signs may be behavioral. Behavioral signs may include things like preferring to feed on one side over the other, only turning their neck to one direction, or laying with their head always to the same side. Frequent colds or ear infections may also sometimes be a sign that a chiropractic evaluation may be helpful.
Infant Care at Our Sioux Falls Office
Our chiropractors enjoy working with infants. At an appointment with an infant, we will discuss the case history with the parents and observe how the infant is sitting, laying, or moving. Then we will perform a chiropractic evaluation. The evaluation is like that of an adult but modified for the age of the patient. If subluxations, or misalignments, are found, then a chiropractic adjustment is typically performed. The adjustment is also modified from that of an adult’s adjustment. Often, we find that infants respond well to chiropractic care. If you live in the Sioux Falls area and would like to have your child’s spine checked, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would welcome the opportunity to help your family though chiropractic care.