PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTOR

How’s the Latch? Top 5 Ways Chiropractic Can Help!

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Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a great option when choosing how to feed your child. There are numerous neurological, nutritional, developmental, psychological, and immunological benefits that your baby can get throughout the process.  Due to this many mothers plan on breastfeeding, but give up early because of problems that have “no solution.” When you and your baby are first getting to know each other, it can be frustrating at times.  Many times mamas have trouble getting their baby to nurse. It’s hard!! It’s easy to be discouraged and want to give up. We’re here to tell you to stay strong. It’s not your fault that your little one isn’t latching properly, but there is something you can do to help support the relationship.

How Chiropractic Helps the Latch

In our office we see many infants presenting with latching problems, and after being evaluated and adjusted they are able to feed wonderfully. Specifically, we check children for vertebral subluxations. This occurs when the upper cervical vertebra or cranial bones are misaligned. This misalignment puts unnecessary stress on the nervous system, meaning the brain and the body may not be fully communicating as they should. It’s basically taking a dimmer switch and putting it on the nerves that come out at the level of the misalignment. This can cause numerous problems with the child’s health and development down the road.

The birthing process, no matter how natural and beautiful it is, can be hard on not just the mother but the child as well. In turn, this can result in misalignments that usually go undetected and unaddressed for years.  As chiropractors, we see infants presenting with difficulties latching firmly, inability to sustain suckling, only feeding in one position, chewing instead of suckling on the nipple, and a “need” to feed at all times. 

Benefits of Chiropractic for an Infant

When the C1 vertebra and cranial bones are properly aligned, neurological and mechanical problems resolve as shown below:

Helps baby turn head to go to both breasts equally

  • When the misalignment of the cranial and upper cervical vertebrae are present this will impinge the SCM muscle. This can cause extra tension in one side vs the other and in more extreme cases, Torticollis. When a baby has this, they will not want to turn their head to both sides equally and often favor one breast. Realigning the bones and allowing the nerves to communicate with the muscle properly, helps the baby to turn their head to both sides equally. In turn, they have easier positioning and access to breastfeeding.

Retraining muscle patterns

  • Another common difficulty we see, is that their suckle pattern is weak, irregular or using the wrong muscles. The communication into the muscles used primarily for sucking may not be firing correctly (weak suckle). This can lead to overcompensation and recruitment of muscles not originally needed for the motion. This can cause an irregular, or chewing like suckle. Again, realigning any misalignments will allow all the muscles to get the proper communication.

Helping to shape mouth properly

  • With improper tongue and oral use, the palate can lack the proper stimulation it needs in order to properly shape. We see many infants presenting with shallow or high palates which is going to affect the suckle itself. We help to identify and reshape the mouth when working with babies in order to regain proper oral function in nursing and into childhood.

Help Tongue Tie Release Heal

  • Another great way we can support oral function is helping tongue tie releases heal. After a baby gets a release, it is up to the parents to perform stretches for the body to heal properly. However, if there is a miscommunication in the nerves, we often see that the body takes longer to heal. We love working with babies that recently had tongue tie revisions to ensure that the body can heal to its full potential.

Bring your Infant to a Pediatric Chiropractor

If your infant is having trouble nursing and you feel as though you’ve tried everything to help them, bring them to a chiropractor. Infant chiropractic adjustments are gentle, safe, and extremely effective.  This could be one of the most important choices you make for your child, as breastfeeding provides many benefits to their health.

Make a new patient appointment today for your infant!

Diving into Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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neurodevelopmental disorders

In today’s current world there is a trend being seen with one in four kids growing up with neurodevelopmental disorders. These disorders are hard to diagnose due to the varying degree and severity of symptoms. Leading to many kids getting misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are classified as sensory processing disorder. This is seen when the function of the nervous system is altered where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This can present in a lot of different ways including delayed development, incorrect responses to tasks or questions, inability to focus or sit still, forgetfulness, tantrums, colic, digestion issues, asthma, allergies, ect.

Another category of the neurodevelopmental disorders is ADHD in which the body actually gets overstimulated and goes into exhaustion. Due to this, the body responds to all stimuli by overworking the musculoskeletal system as its defense mechanism. This can cause symptoms like attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

The big issue with all these kids is dysregulation of the nervous system. 

In our nervous system we have two different modes that we can live in; a parasympathetic mode aka the brake pedal and then a sympathetic model aka the gas pedal. Your body ideally should stay in the parasympathetic mode where the body promotes growing, digestion, and rest. While the sympathetic mode is only needed for when the body is put in danger and you get an adrenaline rush. A huge thing that we see with these kiddos is they can get overwhelmed and stuck into this gas pedal mode. This can take all their energy and put it towards excessive muscle movement and prevent them from actually getting to digest food, rest, and develop. 

Chiropractors are specifically trained to detect any nervous system disruptions that are present in kiddos. The spine actually encases the spinal cord and nerves come out at every single level of the spine. Misalignments in the spine can alter how the nervous system functions in many ways. It can alter how a sensation is perceived, how then the sensation is processed, and can alter the body response to be different. Also having these issues in the spine will lead to being the stimulation of the fight or flight mode. Leading to dysfunction and miscommunication in the body. The main goal of chiropractic is to relieve any stress on the nervous system in order to process information better and have a higher overall function level in the body. 

The leading cause of this dysfunction in the nervous system is stress. When looking at kiddos there are three forms of stress that affect their body which include physical, emotional, and chemical. Physical stress is the most commonly thought of when looking at kids. Normal kids as they grow and develop are running around and falling down 20 times a day, affects their spine and nervous system. Another physical stress that is not often thought about is birth trauma. The process can be beautiful and natural but can be a lot for a little baby’s body. Up to 60-120 pounds of traction is applied to the baby’s neck and spine during a natural vaginal birth with a doctor assisting head out.  This causes trauma in the spine and in turn the nervous system. Emotional stress includes any family, school, or relationship issues. Kids may not be able to know exactly what is going on but can get worked up and put their bodies into a stressed and sympathetic mode. Lastly, chemical stress is anything that kids eat or put on their body, that the body in turn has to process. 

For these kids it is important to get their nervous system checked allowing them the best environment in order to develop to their fullest potential and handle all the day to day stress. Get them out and exercising to help their body develop needed motor skills to allow full development. Good nutrition is always needed in order to fuel the body and grow new cells. 

Wondering if chiropractic care is right for you child? Learn more about pediatric care at Impact Chiropractic.

WORLD PREMATURITY DAY

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November 17th kicks off Prematurity Awareness Month and at Impact Chiropractic, we see many premature and full-term babies. Although premature delivery is not always preventable, there are steps parents can take to make sure their little ones thrive right from birth.

The benefits of chiropractic care for premature babies

Our hospitals provide wonderful care in the NICU, but what about the life of these preemie babies after they leave there? Premature babies are at greater risk of breathing difficulties, feeding, digestion, and brain development. When infants stay in the NICU longer, the areas they work on are supporting vital organ development, such as brain, lung and gastrointestinal functions. Physical manifestations of prematurity are easily seen and well understood, but the neurological development is hard to study and difficult to tell until they are school age kiddos.

Research shows that 40% of premature babies develop mild motor impairments such as fine motor skills (tasks such as doing puzzles or holding pencils), motor planning (seeing an object on the floor and walking around it), visuomotor coordination (writing and drawing) and sensorimotor skills (feeling the weight of an object and successfully handling it). Preemies struggle with GERD and reflux. It also shows that language development can be delayed. Attention and behavioral deficits, such as learning disabilities and ADHD, also exist in these kiddos.

Another research study looked at “5-year- olds born between 1996 and 1997 with birth weights of less than 1,000 grams, 51 percent had coordination problems, 18 to 20 percent had abnormal reflexes or abnormal posture, and 17 percent had exceptional involuntary movements (1). Sensorimotor integration problems can range from inability to tolerate certain textures of food or clothing (e.g., an inability to tolerate lumpy food or the tag on the back of a T-shirt) to difficulty following demonstrated directions (e.g., how to put on a shirt or tie shoelaces) or an inability to tolerate motion (e.g., swinging).

These tasks include drawing, cutting with scissors, dressing, writing, copying figures, perceptual mapping, spatial processing, finger tapping, and pegboard performance. As with other neurodevelopmental disabilities and school problems, the prevalence of learning disabilities increases with decreasing gestational age and birth weight: 7 to 18 percent in children born full term, 30 to 38 percent in children born with birth weights 750 to 1,499 grams, 66 percent in children born at less than 28 weeks of gestation, and 50 to 63 percent in children born with birth weights less than 750 grams.

Work also needs to be done to develop treatment strategies that prevent injury to the brain and other organs and support the infant’s ongoing development.” (2) This research article notes the problems that revolve around premature births, but at the time they were unsure about how to resolve these issues. Another study looked at the difference in living environments of premature infants when they go from the mother’s womb to a bed in the NICU. When premature babies are in the NICU, they tend to be stationary and lying flat on their backs in the beds. This increased time spent lying flat increases the likelihood of deformational plagiocephaly (flattening of the skull bones) which in turn leads to neurodevelopment disadvantages.(3) This, along with the birth process, can cause problems to the developing nervous system.

As chiropractors, we find cranial and/or vertebral misalignments and gently restore them to their proper position, with no adverse side effects. Chiropractic adjustments allow the brain to communicate with the rest of the body, and the body sends proper signals back up to the brain. This is how adjustments can help with motor tasks and also helps with learning difficulties. When it comes to GERD, premature babies have an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. The problem with this sphincter causes reflux, spit up, fussy and colicky babies. Chiropractors can help the nerves wire to that organ, so the sphincter can work as soon as possible and gastric acid doesn’t flow into the esophagus.

Let your local pediatric chiropractor help your little one. If you have any questions about chiro care, let us know. We’d love to help give your child the best life possible.

1. Mikkola: Mikkola K, Ritari N, Tommiska V, Salokorpi T, Lehtonen L, Tammela O, Paakkonen L, Olsen P, Korkma, Fellman V. for the Finnish ELBW Cohort Study Group. Neurodevelopmental outcome at 5 years of age of a National Cohort of extremely low birth weight infants who were born in 1996-1997. Pediatrics. 2005;116(6):1391–1400. [PubMed] [Reference list]

2. (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding Premature Birth and Assuring Healthy Outcomes; Behrman RE, Butler AS, editors. Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2007. 11, Neurodevelopmental, Health, and Family Outcomes for Infants Born Preterm. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11356/)

3. Improvement in prematurity outcome- A chiropractic case report Carmel Therese Whelan, DICCP. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Volume 14, March 2014.

STUTTERING AWARENESS

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October 22nd is Stuttering Awareness Day.  Many people know someone who struggles with stuttering, and those people go through intensive speech therapy in order to get the stuttering under control.  It is estimated that fifteen million people in the world stutter.  Many children and adults in Fort Collins are faced each and every day with difficulty speaking.  These people have fear, embarrassment, and may be left hopeless.  What if there was another way at figuring out why these people stutter?

Stuttering and chiropractors

“Normal speech requires the brain to control movement of the mouth and vocal chords using the sound of the speaker’s own voice as a guide. This integration of movement and hearing typically happens in the brain’s left hemisphere, in a region of the brain known as the premotor cortex. In those who stutter, however, the process occurs in the right hemisphere—probably because of a slight defect on the left side, according to past brain-imaging studies” (quote originally posted at https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-stuttering-brain/)

These findings are interesting to note, because many times stuttering is thought of as a speech-related problem, when in fact it is a brain problem.  There is a miscommunication with the connection between the brain and the mouth; there is a problem with the sensory integration of the two.  For some reason, the nervous system is not communicating with the speech organs (mouth, tongue, lips) in a proper way and the person starts to stutter.  Misalignments to the spine cause a problem with the flow of information from the brain to the body, and the body to the brain.  By taking out the interference of the nervous system, the brain and body can work in proper unison again.

Although common for children to experience short-term stuttering, it is not “normal” if it is prolonged or is occurring after the age of five.  Some common signs that your child is struggling are: repetitions of whole words, increased prolongation of words, increased facial tension while speaking, vocal tension, fear/avoidance of speaking, avoiding certain words for fear of stuttering.  If you notice your child doing any of these behaviors, get them checked by a chiropractor.  Chiropractic care works by improving the function of the nervous system.  When children get adjusted, they calm down, slow down, rest and fully process information.

These findings are interesting to note, because many times stuttering is thought of as a speech-related problem, when in fact it is a brain problem.  There is a miscommunication with the connection between the brain and the mouth; there is a problem with the sensory integration of the two.  For some reason, the nervous system is not communicating with the speech organs (mouth, tongue, lips) in a proper way and the person starts to stutter.  Misalignments to the spine cause a problem with the flow of information from the brain to the body, and the body to the brain.  By taking out the interference of the nervous system, the brain and body can work in proper unison again.

Although common for children to experience short-term stuttering, it is not “normal” if it is prolonged or is occurring after the age of five.  Some common signs that your child is struggling are: repetitions of whole words, increased prolongation of words, increased facial tension while speaking, vocal tension, fear/avoidance of speaking, avoiding certain words for fear of stuttering.  If you notice your child doing any of these behaviors, get them checked by a chiropractor.  Chiropractic care works by improving the function of the nervous system.  When children get adjusted, they calm down, slow down, rest and fully process information.

5 MYTHS ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR KIDDOS

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MYTH #1:  CHIROPRACTIC CARE OF CHILDREN IS NEW.

People may think that adjusting children is a new approach to health.  When you hear the word “new” you may think untested, experimental and dangerous.  “This is simply untrue.  ‘If you go back to 1910, [founder of chiropractic] D.D. Palmer indicated how important it is to check a child’s spine from birth and throughout life,’ notes Jeanne Ohm, CEO of the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association (ICPA), a non-profit organization in Philadelphia.”

Throughout the years, pediatric chiropractic has gained more research and doctors have been fine-tuning their skills. In 1986, Dr. Larry Webster re-established chiropractic care for children as a legitimate area of focus. He created the ICPA and began teaching his child-friendly techniques to other chiropractors who had a passion for helping children

MYTH #2:  CHILDREN DON’T NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE.

Kiddos absolutely need chiropractic care, they have spines just like everyone else.  The vertebra protect the nervous system, the same way they do in mature adults.  There is also a link between the central nervous systems and various childhood illnesses/complications such as ear infections, colic, attention deficit disorder.  Chiropractors do not treat these afflictions, but they allow the body to reach health all on its own.  Other common problems chiropractic care can address are difficult latching, favoring one side while breast feeding, reflux, and sensory processing problems.  These problems can begin immediately after the birthing process, especially when interventions have been used.

chiropractic care for kids

Birth is not easy on the mother or the baby, and both should be checked during pregnancy and immediately after birth.  Misalignments to the babies spine can occur and if they aren’t checked quickly, they can develop into the problems discussed previously.  As development progresses, postural and function patterns begin to form and these misalignments can be more difficult to correct later.

MYTH #3: CHIROPRACTORS USE THE SAME TECHNIQUES ON CHILDREN AS ADULTS.

baby with colic remedies Chiropractors do not use the same technique on children.  The spines of children are different from those of adults, and are assessed differently. Before the age of six, bones are mostly made up of cartilage, and not the hard bony material we usually think of.  This immaturity of bones causes them to be misaligned in ways that adult bones do not.  Pediatric adjustments are very gentle and use light pressure and minimal force.  Many times the child will move into the correct position all on there own.  We are there to facilitate the adjustment, but the child usually holds and maintains the position all on their own.

MYTH #4: THERE ARE NO REAL EXPERTS IN CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR CHILDREN.

Many chiropractors follow accredited courses to develop child-specific skills.  Dr. Elise and Dr. Lara have both completed the ICPA program.  This program consists of a 200-hour certification program, which involves 14 classroom modules.  When searching for a pediatric chiropractor in Fort Collins, make sure they have taken these ICPA classes.  Along with this program, they have both spent countless hours doing external work in pediatric and prenatal education.

MYTH #5: CHIROPRACTORS DON’T COLLABORATE WITH PEDIATRICIANS AND MEDICAL DOCTORS.

This myth couldn’t be farther from the truth.  At Impact, Dr. Elise and Dr. Lara want to be in communication with their patient’s pediatricians and other primary care physicians.  We want to collaborate with all doctors in the Fort Collins area.  It is much easier to work together rather than to downgrade the different approaches to health and well-being.  We want to put the patient’s best interest first, and give them the best care possible.

This post was adapted from https://circleofdocs.com/five-myths-about-chiropractic-care-for-children/

PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL CARE

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Chiropractic care is important while a woman is pregnant.  Regular care can reduce pain and decrease pregnancy related symptoms, but it is important for optimal growth and development of the baby as well. As chiropractors in Fort Collins, Dr. Elise and Dr. Lara are both Webster certified and love to see mothers throughout their pregnancy.  Although it is extremely important to be checked in pre-natal stages, it is also vital to get checked post-natal.

“During pregnancy, your spine and the soft tissues of your body undergo the most rapid transformation that they will go through in your entire life. The first part of this change happens over a nine-month period, but the second part of this change (the return to previous form) happens more rapidly, as the weight of the baby is suddenly no longer there. Your body is able to integrate these changes with more ease when you receive chiropractic care. In fact, many of the common symptoms during pregnancy, especially neck pain, back pain, headaches and heartburn, are related to the stress on your nervous system from this rapid change. Remember, the spine encases the central nervous system and when it is misaligned, it can put tension on the exiting nerves and decrease normal function. The same goes for the fourth trimester. Your spine is trying to adjust to the absence of the baby in your belly. Chiropractic adjustments aid beautifully in this process to realign your spine and pelvis.

Your spine is also very “soft” at the end of pregnancy. Your body has produced a hormone called relaxin to soften the joints and ligaments and allow for your pelvis to open wide and birth your baby. As you begin to nurse your baby and carry him in your arms, you may find that you feel back pain and headaches again because this softness allows your joints to become misaligned more easily. Once again, chiropractic is an excellent way to restore function and reduce pain and discomfort.”

– The full article can be found at: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/The-Outer-Womb/the-fourth-trimester-a-guide-to-healthy-postpartum-recovery.html#sthash.0Y69w6VU.dpuf