Chiropractic for Children and Babies: FAQ
Why should my Child see a Chiropractor?
A Chiropractor with interest in Children and Baby’s Chiropractic Care can help your child heal from the many musculoskeletal burdens. The Chiropractor can address many areas of your child’s health including their spine, limbs and cranium. Your baby goes through incredible physical and neurological changes especially during their first few years of life so its always a good idea to have your child checked by a Chiropractor who has a keen interest in Pediatrics. Common issues that parents see with their child that Chiropractic can help with include: torticollis, nursing difficulties, poor quality of sleep, constipation, postural issues, growing pains, and much more. Just like adults, children are faced with many stressors within our environment and misalignments that bring tension in their bodies. Whether it is a newborn shortly after birth, the many falls as a toddler, or the sports and backpack strains of youth…Chiropractic care can be helpful at any age.
How does Chiropractic care help infants with newborn issues?
Many infants suffer from reflux, gas and all are specifically prominent in the first 3-6 months of life. During the 9 months of pregnancy, your baby is used to being nourished from your umbilical cord. If your child has reflux, it is important your child isn’t dehydrated so Chiropractic for these issues is best treated along-side your MD/Primary Health Care Practitioner.
How can Chiropractic care help my child have better sleep?
When babies are first born the bones that make their cranium haven’t molded together yet. The cranium develops for the first 2 years of a child’s life and it is within this timeframe that the most changes can be made. Gas, constipation, headaches and body pains can also effect sleep quality and the child’s ability to have a restful sleep.
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
A mature skull (also known as the “craniumâ€) is comprised of 22 bones that come together at various joints known as “suturesâ€. When infants are first born their cranium is made up of 44 separate boney elements and as they develop, their cranium matures and molds together at various sutures. The first 2 years of a child’s life is most important because this is when the most cranial maturation and development occurs. These cranial bones can become fixated which can put unwanted tension on the nervous system and connective tissue surrounding the skull. A Craniosacral therapy treatment uses gentle mobilizations of the cranial bones to unlock and align the joints of the skull and release any tension from cranial bone misalignments.
What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?
- Migraines and headaches
- Chronic pain and chronic pain disorders
- Stress
- Motor-coordination impairments (like post concussion)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- TMJ dysfunction or disorder
What are some signs my newborn should see a Chiropractor?
Taking your newborn to a Chiropractor for a pediatric assessment can address any potential issues that may have been brought on during the birth process or their first few weeks of life.
Some signs your baby may need to see a Chiropractor are:
- your baby looks more to one side or keeps his/her head to only one side
- problems latching on or sucking during breastfeeding
- any flattening in your baby’s head
- presence of a tongue or lip tie
- presence of growing pains
- your baby bears down a lot and shows struggle when having bowel movements
- inconsolable periods of non-stop crying
- your baby’s hip joints click when you change his/her diaper
- your baby has sleep difficulties
Children respond very quickly to Chiropractic care and most experience improvements within a couple treatments. Every child is uniquely different and each treatment program reflects this. However, after your initial visit with Dr. Harmony Mir you will be given a customized plan and know what to expect for your child’s care.
Dr. Harmony Mir has a keen interest in the treatment of newborns and children to be able to properly address their concerns, and have the proper tools and background to provide them the appropriate care. She uses several techniques in practice to help treat this special patient population and they include (but are not limited to):
Thompson Technique
CranioSacral Therapy
Sacro-occipital Technique
Logan Basic Technique
Myofasial Release Technique (MRT)
BEST Technique
Gentle Joint mobilization techniques
And many more tailored to support your child’s specific needs.
By combining these techniques, paired with exercise recommendations and nutritional advice, Dr. Harmony is equipped to provide your children the care they need and deserve. She is very gentle and her personality is both warm and friendly. Your children are in good hands with Dr. Harmony Mir and she is willing go above and beyond to help your families get the customized care they require.
Call us Today if you have any questions about Chiropractic for Children and babies! We would be happy to answer any of your questions:).