| 1. How
can chiropractic care help the health and wellness of my
family?
Your spine is an integral part of your mind and body. From
even before you are born, your brain communicates and controls
the many functions of your body through the nervous system.
The nerves from the brain run down your spine to each and
every part of you. Many families experience unavoidable physical,
mental and chemical stresses (such as lack of sleep, less
exercise, balancing work with home life). These stresses
can cause tension in the spine (called subluxations) and
irritate the corresponding nerves. Over time, subtle spinal
subluxations may cause pain, stress, degeneration and even
organ dysfunction. Your chiropractor will release the tension
in your spine (through adjustments) so that your body can
function optimally and express a maximum state of health
and wellness. Many families are proactive and have regular
chiropractic check-ups much in the same way we preventatively
see a dentist. Chiropractic maintenance is a natural approach
for a healthier and happier family. 2. Is prenatal and pediatric chiropractic
care safe and gentle?
Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of healthcare for
expectant mothers and their children. It is a natural, drug-free,
non-invasive approach specific to the mother and child. Your
chiropractor will use individualized techniques to release
spinal tension with as little amount of pressure as a finger
touch. Special pillow supports assist the pregnant mother for
comfortable care. Infants and children relax and enjoy their
adjustments. Safe and gentle care for you and your family. 3. When should I see a chiropractor
if I am pregnant?
The best time to start seeing a chiropractor is even prior
to a pregnancy (research has shown a positive correlation between
chiropractic care and fertility). During the first trimester,
adjustments can help balance your spine and pelvis prior to
the increase in weight gain to prevent prenatal back pain as
well as help you adapt to the fluctuating hormones and all
the changes they bring such as fatigue, nausea and headaches.
In the second trimester, proper alignment continues to assist
in the stability of your spine so that you can stay active,
sleep well and handle ergonomic strain. As you move through
the third trimester, specific techniques help with common occurrences
such as sciatica, rib pain, ligament tension, pubic dysfunction,
tailbone strain, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
For many expectant mothers, their babies are already in the
optimal fetal position at 32 weeks if they have had chiropractic
assistance through their pregnancies. It is never too late
to see a chiropractor for prenatal care but earlier support
decreases discomfort, encourages your baby to move into the
head down occiput anterior position and aids in an easier labour
and birth, naturally.
4. How
can chiropractic care help the baby be in a good position
for birth?
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic adjustment to encourage
the baby to turn into the head down occiput anterior position
prior to labour. Dr. Larry Webster of the International Chiropractic
Pediatric Association founded the technique which has been
proven to be 82% successful in clinical studies (JMPT 2002
Jul-Aug 25(6)) for breech and posterior-positioned babies.
It is a gentle, non-invasive procedure that restores balance
to your spine and pelvis to release any tension that may be
preventing the baby from moving into the ideal position. Even
a mild spinal and pelvic misalignment may cause tension in
the uterus (called intrauterine constraint) which makes it
uncomfortable for the baby to turn into the proper position.
It is very safe as the technique does not force the baby to
turn if the baby shouldn't (ex. cord or placenta problem).
As well, if the baby is already in the proper position, it
will help the baby stay there and not move the baby out of
place . The number of adjustments required vary, depending
on the individual and her health history. The Webster Technique
may also assist in a more successful external version. As well,
your chiropractor can recommend exercises, postural changes
and ergonomic modifications to decrease the chance of any intrauterine
constraint. If you are 32 weeks pregnant and your baby is not
head down and/or posterior, have a chiropractor check your
alignment for a natural birth experience. 5. Why
should I see my chiropractor after I have had my baby?
Postnatal care will help you recover from your pregnancy and
birth so that you can focus on the health and wellness of your
new baby and enjoy the precious days of your "babymoon." It
is best to have a chiropractic adjustment within the first
few weeks so that you have optimal balance as your ligaments
tighten. Chiropractic care will continue to help with the common
"mommy strains" such as neck and upper back pain, headaches,
fatigue, stress and wrist tendonitis. Techniques will be modified
to accommodate your recovery whether from a vaginal birth or
cesarean section. As well, your chiropractor can assist you
with specific postnatal exercises and the proper ergonomics
of nursing and carrying your newborn. And a family wellness
program will support you through the exciting changes that
occur as your baby grows and develops. 6. What
are some of the signs that my newborn should be
checked by a chiropractor?
Having a chiropractic newborn assessment within the first
few weeks following birth can help your new baby in so many
ways. Many newborns have subtle spinal tension either from
inutero or from the labour and delivery (whether long and prolonged
or fast and intense). Interventions may have been required
such as vacuum extraction, forceps or cesarean.
The unavoidable
physical and biochemical stresses of pregnancy and birth
may contribute to the following:
• baby looks
and/or keeps his/her head more to one side
• problems with latch or suck when breastfeeding
• flattening of head
• inconsolable periods of crying
• colic and gas
• gastric reflux/uncomfortable spitting up
• struggles to move bowels
• sleep difficulties
• hip joints click
If your baby has any of these issues, chiropractic is a
natural way to remove spinal tension and help your baby
be healthier and happier. A newborn check-up will also
help to prevent future pediatric disorders and assist your
baby through his/her growth and developmental milestones.
7. How
does chiropractic care help infants with newborn issues such
as gas and colic?
Many infants suffer from gas and colic, especially in their
first 3 months of life. They are born with their digestive
systems still developing and must suddenly adapt to being nourished
from an umbilical cord to breastfeeding. They may also have
spinal tension from inutero or the birth itself. This spinal
nerve irritation (subluxation) can interrupt the connection
between your baby’s brain and the functions of his/her digestion.
Pediatric chiropractic care gently and safely removes this
tension to allow your baby's digestive system to work as effectively
and efficiently as possible. In fact, the latest research has
proven chiropractic care to be more effective than traditional
medicine in the treatment of colic with significantly reduced
hours of crying from discomfort (JMPT 1999, 22 (8)). A natural
way to help your baby help him/herself. 8. When should my child have chiropractic
check-ups?
Your baby goes through incredible physical and neurological
changes especially during their first year of life. For optimal
growth and development, your child should be checked periodically
by your chiropractor. Removing spinal tension will help with
specific issues such as nursing difficulties and colic and
help prevent future health problems like ear infections and
asthma. Many parents remark on how healthy their children are
when they are under chiropractic maintenance care and how effectively
they reach their growth and developmental milestones. Just
like us, children cannot avoid certain stresses that may cause
spinal tension whether its from sleeping without neck support
as a newborn, the many falls of a toddler or the sports and
backpack strains of youth. Infants and children respond to
their adjustments better than adults because they don't have
years of spinal strain to overcome and their spines are more
adaptable. And it is far better to remove spinal tension before
symptoms arise once their body cannot compensate for the imbalances.
For healthier children and generations to come! 9. Will
my chiropractor help me with family health-related questions?
Along with chiropractic adjustments, your chiropractor can
help you with other health-related questions and issues. Specific
exercises are recommended for both the prenatal and postnatal
period as well as active labour techniques for a natural birth.
Nutritional and supplement recommendations can help ease pregnancy-related
symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and heartburn. Certain foods
can decrease your baby's chance of colickiness and sensitivities.
Relaxation techniques will aid you through labour and the common
worries of parenthood. Your chiropractor can also give you
support with breastfeeding, sleep habits and properly wearing
your baby for both your comfort. As your baby grows, your chiropractor
can check his or her developmental milestones and offer guidance
on such issues as car seat use, backpack safety and scoliosis
screening. And don’t forget that Daddy's spine can also use
some natural chiropractic care too! Your family chiropractor
is there for every step of the way. 10. What
is the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association?
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association is
a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing awareness
of the family wellness lifestyle. The ICPA values and respects
parents' rights to make informed health care decisions throughout
pregnancy, birth and childhood. They offer continuing education,
training and research in pregnancy and pediatrics for chiropractors
to help them fulfill their vision in the world. Their website
(www.icpa4kids.org)
has the most up to date studies and resources, many of which
have been included under the Archives
section of www.bonnchiropractic.com.
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