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CHIROPRACTIC: PREGNANCY AND PEDIATRICS
CHIROPRACTIC: During Pregnancy
The Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy:
- Reduced low back and hip pain
- Improved nervous system function
- Eased pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, acid reflux, insomnia
- Reduced headaches
- Improved sleep
- Shortened labor duration and easier delivery and optimal fetal positioning
Q: Why should pregnant moms be adjusted?
A: Studies have shown women who see chiropractors during pregnancy may experience faster deliveries and more comfortable pregnancies. Pregnancy causes a woman's body to go through both hormonal and physiological changes in preparation for birth. During pregnancy the ligaments, joints, and muscles are relaxed due to hormonal changes (from Relaxin and Progesterone) to prepare for birth of the baby. This relaxation of the ligaments in combination with the posture changes that occur while the belly grows throughout pregnancy can cause more stress on many spinal and soft tissue elements of the body.
Q: What is Webster Technique?
A: The Webster Technique enables pregnant women to feel better while providing greater mobility with reduced discomfort. The Webster Technique is a researched and very specific, gentle chiropractic technique which analyzes the hips, pelvis, and sacrum to allow the nervous system to function optimally while reducing stress on nerves, muscles and ligaments. The adjustments are done with specialized pillows allowing pregnant moms to lay comfortably on their stomachs. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce pain caused by the effects of sacral subluxation (low back) and SI joint dysfunction (pelvis). By realigning these bones, it allows for ideal functioning of the pelvis and uterus during pregnancy and birth of a child. Adjustments allow the pelvis to be balanced properly, and this provides more room inside the womb or the baby to grow and move.
Learn more about Webster Technique
References:
- Resolution of Symphysis Pubic Pain & Dysfunction Following Chiropractic Care in a Pregnant Patient: Case Study & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Ian Shtulman, DC, Hayley Miller, DC & Joel Alcantara DC.
- Resolution of Back Pain & Sleep Disturbance in a Pregnant Patient Following Chiropractic Care Using Webster Technique: A Case Report & Review of Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. Melissa Porter, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC.
- Improvement in Quality of Life for Six Pregnant Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care: The Promise of PROMIS. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health - Chiropractic. Alcantara, J, & Ohm,
- Effectiveness of Manual Treatment on Pregnancy Symptoms: Usefulness of Manual Treatment in Treating Pregnancy Symptoms. Med Arch. 2018;72(2):131-135. Skarica B.
CHIROPRACTIC: PEDIATRICS
The Benefits of Chiropractic for Infants, Babies and Children:
- Alleviate digestive problems
- Improve sleep
- Strengthen immunity and reduce occurrences of colds, ear infections, asthma, allergies, and other illnesses
- Help with colic and irritable baby syndrome
- Improve and aid in spinal development and posture
- Increase clarity and child’s ability to concentrate
- Lessen difficulties in breastfeeding and latching
Q: When should a child be checked by a chiropractor?
A: Children should be checked by a chiropractor from as early as birth. Significant spinal trauma can occur during the birthing process, even more so with difficult deliveries or C-sections. Studies have shown up to 70 pounds of pressure may be put on the baby’s head and neck during the birth process. It is beneficial to have a newborn checked to remove stresses caused during birth, and as the infant grows and reaches new development milestones. Later in childhood, emotional tension, sports injuries, falls, or dietary stress can gradually damage the spine. Regular spinal check-ups can be beneficial to help make sure the body is able to function optimally.
Q: Is a baby adjusted the same way as an adult?
A: Babies are adjusted in a very different way from adults and only the lightest touch is required (think of gently pushing on an avocado or tomato to see if it is ripe). Children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, typically respond very fast to chiropractic care since their bodies are still developing and have a high ability to adapt to changes. Chiropractic uses gentle adjustments to realign the vertebra and reduce stress on the nerves, muscles, and ligaments in the body.
References:
- Resolution of Chronic, Recurrent Bilateral Ear Infections Following Chiropractic Care in a One-Year-Old Infant: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Sigmon P, Alcantara J
- Improvement in Behavior, Anxiety, & Pain Following Chiropractic Care in a 9-Year-Old Boy with Asperger's Syndrome and Anxiety Disorder: Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Laura Stone, MS, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC
- Resolution of Gastroesophageal Reflux in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Angela Egan, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC
- Resolution of Torticollis, Breastfeeding Difficulties & Cranial Distortion in a Twin Infant Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Sarah Green, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC.
- Resolution of Breastfeeding Difficulties Following Chiropractic in a Neonate with Birth Trauma, Plagiocephaly & Edema from an Asynclitic Presentation: A Case Report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. Kristen Hosaka, DC & Joel Alcantara, D
