Dr. Debrah and Dr. Amanda have made it their life mission to create happier, healthier children. Unfortunately, the current generation of children have shown to be the sickest and most medicated in history. Typically, when people think about chiropractic their mind automatically jumps to neck pain and back pain. This is totally understandable because chiropractic care TREMENDOUSLY helps with these issues. What people don’t know, YET, is that chiropractic care addresses the system that controls all other systems, and that is the central nervous system. Let’s get a little science-y here for a moment! The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. From the spinal cord are all the spinal nerves that control every cell, tissue, muscle and organ in the body. So how does it work? The brain sends signals down the spinal cord and out to the spinal nerves to allow our bodies to function. Now how does this relate to our little ones? A lot of times the bones that surround our spinal cord, called vertebra, can shift out of proper alignment. That shift, known as a misalignment or subluxation, is going to put pressure on the spinal nerves that exit the spinal cord, which causes nerve interference. Imagine it being like a water hose with a kink in it. A misalignment is kind of like a kink in the information highway of the body! This means that the signals the brain sends throughout the body are compromised, leading to aches, pains, but more importantly DYSFUNCTION. Typically, in adults misalignments show up as various types of aches, pains, and discomfort. However, in our kiddos it shows up a little bit different. Our little ones are not able to tell us that they are having headaches or back pain. For them, it shows up as an irritation, such as digestive issues, ear infections, immunity issues, sleeping disturbances, and ADD/ADHD just to name a few! Here are a few examples of things that we see on a regular basis in our office, and why you should take your child to a chiropractor sooner, rather than later:
1. Latching Issues
When our babies are having trouble nursing, a lot of times it has to do with the fact that it is uncomfortable for them. Examples of this are turning their head a certain way, opening their mouth wide enough, or lying in the nursing position. These troubles can be a result from the birthing process. If you have ever been to a birth or have given birth, we can all agree that sometimes it can be traumatic not only for mom, but also for baby. During that process, the baby can get extra stress on the neck during their grand entrance! Their neck contains their life line, the brain and spinal cord, and it is important to be sure that it is free of interference from the very beginning.
http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/nurture-the-nervous-system-nourish-the-baby.html
2. Colic
The nervous system is in one of two states when it comes to environmental response. One is for the healing and resting side of life, called parasympathetics aka “rest and digest.” The other is for dealing with the stresses of life, known as sympathetics aka “fight or flight.” In babies, one of their main functions is to eat! When the body is in a constant state of “fight or flight,” it does not worry about digesting food. This is when we see digestive issues arise, such as colic.
3. Ear Infections
Ear infections are not only a neurological issue, but also a biomechanical issue. During the birthing process, babies experience added stress to the neck. Often times this causes a misalignment of the top bone in the spine, known as Atlas. This alters the position of the eustascian tubes or ear canal, leading to fluid not being able to drain properly and instead it pools in the ear canal allowing for bacteria to grow.
4. Immunity
The nervous system controls and coordinates all other systems, including the immune system. Chiropractic care restores the ability of the body to do what it was designed to do, which is maintain, adapt, and HEAL. Without nerve interference the body can do just that, allowing for optimal function as well as boosting the immune system. Thus resulting in less colds, coughs, or runny noses for our littles. Who doesn’t want that?
http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/perspectives-on-chiropractic-and-immunity.html
5. Sleeping issues
Sometimes our kiddos just have trouble turning their little bodies off. They are always on the run and a lot of times they cannot switch over to the rest, relax, and healing system that is located within their nervous systems. By getting adjusted, their system can communicate better and bring their bodies to a more relaxed state. This allows them to have more restful nights. Mamas, I know that is something that we all need a little more of!
http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/my-baby-is-unsettled-how-chiropractic-helps.html
6. Behavioral issues/ Sensory issues
In our kiddos, behavioral and sensory issues go hand in hand. Because of these issues, children are processing their environmental stimuli differently. The child that reacts with anger and tantrums are most likely not able to compartmentalize their feelings and reactions due to some type of communication issue within the nervous system. The child that is extremely sensitive to their surroundings, such as sounds, textures, or any form of stimuli, most likely has an issue interpreting that stimuli within their nervous system.