Newborns are exposed to various injuries during the birthing process. From underdeveloped digestive tract and misaligned spine to breastfeeding issues, infants are vulnerable to trauma at birth.
While conventional therapies can solve these issues, parents should consider alternative medicine, specifically chiropractic care. For a long time, chiropractic care has been a reserve for adults. However, it is safe and beneficial for newborns.
Your infant can benefit from visiting a chiropractor in the following ways:
1. Colic and Reflux Relief
While this remains controversial, chiropractic spinal adjustments can help manage symptoms of colic and reflux in babies. Correcting spinal misalignments can alleviate nerve irritation, which reduces discomfort and improves digestive function.
However, the evidence supporting these claims is largely anecdotal. Research studies validating the effectiveness of this intervention are still limited. Parents should consult their pediatrician and seek help from a professional pediatric chiropractor.
2. Improved Sleep
Chiropractic interventions can also improve your infant’s sleeping patterns. Gentle adjustments on the spine promote sleep and restfulness. The rationale behind this claim is that correcting spinal misalignments reduces nerve tension and irritation, which alleviates discomfort that often interferes with the baby’s sleeping patterns.
However, the evidence supporting these claims is primarily anecdotal. Several factors affect your baby’s sleeping patterns, including sleep associations, general environment, and feeding patterns. Before pursuing chiropractic interventions, you should first rule out underlying medical conditions and other concerns affecting the baby’s sleeping pattern.
3. Improves Immune Function
A strong immune function is crucial for developing infants. Spinal adjustments positively affect the nervous system, which improves communication between the brain and the immune system. Optimizing the nervous system boosts the baby’s natural defense mechanism.
However, like adults, an infant’s immune system is complex and regulated by multiple genetic and environmental factors. The baby’s immune system is also developing and largely affected by genetics, exposure to pathogens, and nutrition.
Before opting for chiropractic interventions, you should consider proper breastfeeding, adherence to vaccination, and good hygiene.
4. Helps Manage Ear Infection
The effects of chiropractic care on ear infections remain contentious and debated. However, chiropractors claim gentle spinal adjustments help in managing common ear infections in babies.
Like most conditions that benefit from chiropractic care, spinal adjustments improve nerve function, allowing better drainage from the middle ear. This reduces the frequency of ear infections.
However, note that ear infections are primarily caused by viral and bacterial infections. Middle ear fluid accumulation and blockage in the eustachian tube can also cause these infections. You should approach the treatment of ear infections cautiously.
Relying on chiropractic interventions solely may not be effective. You should also seek proper medical evaluation and treat other factors that cause recurrent ear infections.
Endnote
The debate on whether babies can benefit from chiropractic care is largely inconclusive. Some parents have reported positive experiences after chiropractic interventions. However, the lack of scientific backing and potential risks limit the adoption of chiropractic care for infants.
You should consult your primary healthcare giver and engage a qualified pediatric chiropractor.
