Spinal problems can also develop in babies and children. This can happen during birth, but also in the first years of life due to falls, bumps, poor posture, minor sports injuries, or carrying a heavy school bag.
At Chiropractie Blaauw, we look at movement disorders of the spine and skull, and their effect on the nervous system. Treatment is always tailored to the child’s age and development.
When can chiropractic care help?
Because a child’s body is still developing rapidly, treatment methods are carefully adapted accordingly. Chiropractic care can be used for, among other things:
- crying babies
- KISS syndrome
- spinal blockages in babies
- ear infections
- bedwetting
Below you can read what these complaints may mean and how chiropractic care can provide support.
Crying babies
Babies use crying to let you know that something doesn’t feel right. It’s their way of communicating. However, some babies cry so much and so intensely that they are hardly consolable.
A possible cause may lie in the spine, especially in the neck. During a difficult, prolonged, or conversely very fast delivery, the deep neck muscles can become irritated. This can lead to blockages in the upper cervical vertebrae.
These joints play an important role in:
- posture and motor development
- sucking and swallowing reflex
- comfort and relaxation
When these small joints do not function properly, this can cause pain and restlessness. This is also associated with the KISS syndrome.
KISS syndrome
KISS stands for Kopgewrichten, Invloed op Storingen in de Symmetrie. It means that blockages in the upper neck joints can affect a child’s symmetrical development.
Possible causes
- an awkward position in the womb
- a difficult delivery (for example with vacuum extraction or forceps)
- a very fast delivery
- a fall or accident
Signs in babies
- a lot of crying and poor sleep
- a preferred position
- swallowing difficulties or frequent vomiting
- skull asymmetry
- a curved spine
- arching backwards
- protesting when getting dressed and undressed
Sometimes these symptoms go away on their own. However, it is possible that the restriction remains.
Signs in older children
- neck pain and headaches
- concentration problems or hyperactivity
- motor difficulties
- recurring ear infections
If you suspect that KISS may be playing a role, it may be worthwhile to have your child examined.
Spinal restrictions in babies
The signs of a spinal restriction in babies can vary. Common signs include:
- a lot of crying and restlessness
- sleeping poorly and startling easily
- excessive vomiting or frequent hiccups
- reaching for the ears or the back of the head
- arching and a preferred head position
These symptoms are often attributed to intestinal cramps or colic. In many cases, the symptoms decrease after a few months, for example because the baby starts using their head more and the neck muscles become stronger.
However, it is possible that the restrictions remain, even when the symptoms lessen. This can later lead to:
- neck pain and headaches
- concentration problems at school
- motor issues
In addition, prolonged crying can also affect the parent-child relationship.
After a careful examination, gentle treatment techniques are applied, tailored to the child’s age. Usually, a few treatments are sufficient. No baby is too young to be examined.
Ear infections
When the lymphatic drainage system does not function properly, fluid can build up in the middle ear. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria and viruses.
Reduced drainage may be related to restrictions in the neck. With ear infections, chiropractic care focuses on restoring movement function, so that the natural drainage of fluid can improve.
When the excess fluid decreases, the body has more room to resolve the infection on its own.
Bedwetting
Every child develops at their own pace. Up to about the age of six, bedwetting is considered normal. Only after that do we consider it a problem.
When bedwetting persists, it can affect self-confidence. Children may feel ashamed and avoid situations such as sleepovers or school trips.
In some cases, a spinal restriction can affect the autonomic nervous system. By correcting these restrictions, the nervous system may function more effectively, which can contribute to improvement of the problem.
Make an appointment for your baby or child
Would you like to find out whether chiropractic care could help your baby or child?
You are welcome for a careful examination and personal advice.
Making an appointment is easy via email or call 0182 – 570124.
