During delivery, the baby and mother go through quite an experience. Many mothers who give birth at home naturally have smooth, easy births. Many mothers also view their experience as an empowering, beautiful experience and would not characterize it as traumatic. Sometimes, the mother has a harder time, and chiropractic can help in both situations. During delivery, for all the mother did, the baby did with its head. So, even in mild births, the baby may need to be checked because the cranial bones in the baby’s skull shift over/under each other to make the baby’s head fit through the pelvis and birth canal. Often, these cranial bones will not fully shift back, and they can get “stuck,” causing a misshapen head, plagiocephaly, feeding issues, colic, etc. It’s important to regularly check the cranial bones through infancy to ensure they’re free-moving and the head is shaping nicely.

During labor and delivery, the baby passes through the mother’s pelvic bones and into the birth canal, getting in position. The baby is upside down, facing the mother’s back, with its head tucked down. This position allows the baby to pass through such a tight passage. The position is called occiput anterior and is what should happen. Sometimes, the baby can get stuck in the pelvis or have other positioning issues, so it’s essential to ensure the mother’s pelvis is well aligned to avoid these issues during labor and delivery.

NORMAL LABOR MOVEMENTS

The baby’s head changing positions is only the beginning. However, it is the main focus of this article because it illustrates the spinal contortions and possible subluxations that can happen during childbirth, which can be problematic if not corrected.

Engagement

• The widest part of the baby’s head enters the pelvis.

Descent

• The baby’s head moves down (descends) into the pelvis.
• Usually, descent occurs during labor.

Flexion

• During descent, the baby’s head is forced down so that the chin touches the chest.

Internal Rotation

• As the baby’s head descends, the head rotates so the back of the head is just below the mother’s pubic bone, helping the head fit the pelvic shape.
• As the baby’s head rotates, extends, and flexes during labor, the body stays in position with one shoulder down towards the mother’s spine and one shoulder up towards the belly.

Extension

• As your baby reaches the vaginal opening, the baby’s head is in contact with the mother’s pubic bone.
• This is where the birth canal curves upward, and the baby’s head is extended back, rotating under and around the pubic bone.

External Rotation

• As the baby’s head is delivered, it rotates about a quarter turn to align with the mother’s body.

Expulsion

• After the head is delivered, the top shoulder is delivered under the pubic bone.
• After the shoulder, the rest of the body is usually delivered without a problem.

In this process, you can understand how much can happen to a baby, and mother’s, body. Subluxation, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex, can happen for a variety of reasons:

• The head, neck, rest of the spine, and pelvis pull and twist during childbirth.
• The birth process can be difficult or stressful.
• Extraction aids can add to the trauma (forceps, vacuum, etc.).
• The baby is born Caesarian (bypassing the natural birth process)

It’s not just what happens during labor and delivery that creates the need for chiropractic care. Often, the lack of normal vaginal birth can mean that normal squeezing and purging didn’t happen. This can cause its own set of issues from early development into adulthood.

Breastfeeding and Colic/Fussiness

During delivery, problems caused by birth trauma often go unnoticed, and symptoms may not present themselves for a long time. However, sometimes you’ll a difficulty feeding, latching issues, colic, gas, constipation, plagiocephaly, frequent sickness, poor sleep, or failure to thrive. Parents can have Dr. Bronson check their baby to see if any misalignment has occurred. If so, a newborn adjustment is extremely gentle. Dr. Bronson uses about the same pressure as one would feel the ripeness of a tomato to adjust newborns. After the newborn phase, Dr. Bronson uses the Activator Technique which is also very gentle. Dr. Bronson believes in using only the amount of force needed to achieve proper alignment.

The importance of checking newborns is to mitigate issues caused by the birth process so that they do not fester and grow into problems, such as:

• Delayed motor milestones
• Delayed speech development
• Behavioral issues
• Frequent illness
• Anxiety and/or depression
• ADD/ADHD
• General poor health

With so much at stake, the mother and baby deserve to be checked. Schedule an appointment today!

New patients, call 888-333-0491 or send us a message on our form Contact us

Keep children healthy with a pediatric chiropractor

Every parent wants the best for their child, including keeping them healthy. Have you ever considered the role a pediatric chiropractor can play in your child’s well-being? While most people consider chiropractic care something only adults need, children and infants benefit tremendously from these specialized treatments. Imagine a world where your little ones grow up without discomfort, with optimal physical development and fewer illnesses. Pediatric chiropractors are here to help make that vision a reality! Let’s dive into how they support our youngest family members’ health journeys.

Keep Children Healthy with a Pediatric Chiropractor

Picture your child bouncing with energy, ready to tackle the day. A pediatric chiropractor can help make that possible by ensuring the spine and nervous system are in top shape. Proper alignment supports overall health and contributes to better immune function.

Children experience rapid growth, which can lead to misalignments or discomfort. Whether due to sports activities or simply exploring their world, a gentle adjustment from a trained professional can provide relief and promote healthy development.

Regular visits can catch potential issues early on, setting your child up for success as they grow. With expert guidance tailored specifically for little ones, you’re investing in lifelong wellness habits while enhancing their quality of life today.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Pediatric chiropractic care is a gentle and specialized approach aimed at ensuring the optimal health of children. It focuses on the unique needs of growing bodies, addressing misalignments that hinder development. From infants to teenagers, every stage presents its own set of challenges.

Pediatric chiropractors trained in this field use safe techniques tailored for young patients. They create a warm environment where kids feel comfortable and relaxed during adjustments. This nurturing atmosphere encourages trust between the chiropractor and the child.

Parents may be surprised by how quickly children respond to treatment. Many report improved sleep patterns, enhanced focus in school, and reduced discomfort from common ailments like colds or allergies after visiting a pediatric chiropractor. Each adjustment paves the way for better overall health!

Chiropractic Care for Children and Infants

Chiropractic care for children and infants is a gentle, holistic approach to ensuring their well-being. From the moment they enter the world, babies can experience stress during birth that may affect their tiny bodies. Pediatric chiropractors focus on restoring balance through safe adjustments tailored specifically for little ones.

As children grow, their bodies undergo rapid changes—crawling, walking, and running all bring unique challenges. Regular chiropractic visits help support proper alignment and function as they navigate these milestones. It’s about fostering healthy development in a nurturing environment.

With techniques designed just for them, pediatric chiropractors prioritize comfort while addressing any concerns parents might have. This specialized care helps young ones thrive both physically and emotionally as they embark on life’s adventures.

The Benefits of Pediatric Adjustment

Pediatric adjustments offer a gentle approach to enhancing your child’s health. These specialized techniques focus on the unique needs of growing bodies, promoting optimal spinal alignment. This can lead to improved mobility and overall function.

One significant benefit is boosting immunity. When the spine is aligned, the nervous system operates more efficiently, helping children fend off common illnesses. It’s like giving their immune system a natural boost.

Additionally, many parents notice enhanced sleep patterns after visits to a pediatric chiropractor. With reduced tension and discomfort, children often find it easier to relax at bedtime, leading to longer and more restful nights for both kids and parents alike.

Pediatric-Certified Chiropractic Care

When it comes to caring for children, expertise matters. Pediatric-certified chiropractors undergo specialized training that equips them with the skills to treat young patients effectively and safely. They understand the unique anatomy and physiology of growing bodies.

These professionals focus on gentle techniques tailored specifically for infants, toddlers, and older children. Their approach is not just about addressing discomfort; it’s about promoting overall wellness in a nurturing environment.

Moreover, pediatric chiropractors often collaborate with parents to create comprehensive care plans. This partnership ensures that each child’s specific needs are met while fostering healthy development from an early age. The goal is clear: support your child’s health journey every step of the way.

Neurological Development & Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Neurological development in children is a fascinating journey, filled with new milestones and discoveries. As their brains grow and connections form, it’s essential to support this process through proper care. Pediatric chiropractic care plays a vital role in ensuring optimal nervous system function.

Gentle adjustments can enhance communication between the brain and body, promoting better coordination and cognitive skills. This holistic approach helps address any misalignments that may hinder development during these formative years.

By fostering a healthy nervous system, pediatric chiropractors empower children to thrive physically and mentally. It’s all about giving young ones the best possible start as they explore the world around them.

Common Pediatric Conditions Treated with Chiropractic Care

Parents often seek chiropractic care for their little ones to address various common conditions. One frequent concern is torticollis, where babies may have restrictive neck movement. Gentle adjustments can help ease tension and improve mobility.

Breastfeeding difficulties are another issue that many new moms encounter. A pediatric chiropractor can assist by aligning the spine and improving the baby’s latch, making feeding a smoother experience for both mother and child.

Constipation in children can be uncomfortable and distressing. Chiropractic care aims to restore proper function in the nervous system, promoting better digestion and relief from tummy troubles. Each of these conditions highlights how effective pediatric chiropractors can be in supporting children’s health and well-being.

Torticollis

Torticollis, often referred to as “twisted neck,” can be surprisingly common in infants. This condition causes the head to tilt or rotate awkwardly due to muscle tightness. It can stem from various factors, including birth trauma or positioning in the womb.

For little ones experiencing torticollis, pediatric chiropractors offer a gentle approach to care. Through specialized adjustments and techniques tailored for children, they help relax tense muscles and restore proper alignment.

By addressing torticollis early on, parents can support their child’s development and comfort. A chiropractor’s expertise is invaluable in guiding families through recovery while promoting overall health and wellness for growing bodies.

Breast Feeding Difficulties

Breastfeeding should be a beautiful bonding experience, but sometimes challenges arise. Infants may have difficulty latching, leading to frustration for both mom and baby. This struggle can create stress that affects milk supply and overall health.

A pediatric chiropractor can help ease these tensions. By gently adjusting the spine and neck, they promote optimal nerve function and enhance muscle coordination. Improved alignment supports more effective feeding techniques.

Pediatric chiropractic care creates a calm environment conducive to breastfeeding success. With their expertise, chiropractors provide parents with reassurance while helping little ones thrive in their early stages of life. Supporting healthy connections starts here!

Constipation

Constipation is more common in children than many realize. It can lead to discomfort and frustration for both kids and parents. When little ones struggle to go, it’s not just about the bathroom; it’s about their overall well-being.

Pediatric chiropractors can help ease constipation by improving spinal alignment and enhancing nerve function. Gentle adjustments may stimulate digestion, allowing for smoother bowel movements.

When a child feels better physically, their mood often brightens too. A happier tummy means a happier child! Embracing chiropractic care opens doors to natural relief, guiding families toward healthier habits that promote wellness from the inside out.

Booking an Appointment and Getting Started

Booking an appointment with a pediatric chiropractor is simple and straightforward. Most clinics offer online scheduling through their websites, allowing you to choose a time that fits your busy life. Just a few clicks can set the stage for improved health.

Once you’ve booked, gather any relevant medical history or concerns you may have about your child’s health. This information helps the chiropractor tailor their approach specifically to your child’s needs.

When you arrive at the office, expect a warm welcome from friendly staff who understand how important this journey is for both you and your child. The first visit typically includes an initial assessment followed by gentle adjustments designed to promote well-being right from the start.

Why Choose Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Choosing pediatric chiropractic care is an investment in your child’s health. These specialized practitioners understand the unique needs of growing bodies. Their gentle approach ensures that even the tiniest patients feel safe and comfortable during treatments.

Pediatric chiropractors focus on promoting optimal development, targeting specific issues such as misalignments or tension caused by daily activities. This support can boost overall wellness and help children thrive physically and emotionally.

Furthermore, early intervention through chiropractic care can equip children with better resilience against future ailments. With a team dedicated to nurturing their well-being, you’re not just alleviating discomfort; you’re paving the way for lifelong health habits that foster growth and vitality.

How Pediatric Chiropractors Can Help

Pediatric chiropractors specialize in the unique needs of children, offering gentle adjustments that promote health and wellness. They assess a child’s spine and nervous system to ensure everything functions harmoniously. This can enhance overall development and well-being.

Through tailored treatments, these professionals help alleviate discomfort from various conditions. Whether it’s easing growing pains or improving posture, pediatric chiropractors pave the way for a more active childhood.

Moreover, they educate parents about healthy habits and lifestyle choices. By fostering an environment where children thrive physically and emotionally, pediatric chiropractors contribute significantly to their long-term health journey. Happy kids make happy families!

Trusting a Team for Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Finding the right team for pediatric chiropractic care is crucial. Children deserve a nurturing environment where they feel safe and comfortable. A compassionate team understands how to connect with kids, using gentle techniques that promote healing.

Every child is unique, and a skilled chiropractic team tailors their approach based on individual needs. They engage families in the process, ensuring everyone feels informed and involved in their child’s wellness journey.

Trust builds over time through open communication and meaningful relationships. With a dedicated pediatric chiropractor by your side, you can be confident that your little one’s health is prioritized every step of the way, fostering growth both physically and emotionally.

Contact Information

When it comes to your child’s health, you want the best care available. Pediatric chiropractors are specially trained to address the unique needs of children and infants. Whether you’re looking for relief from common conditions or simply want to support your child’s overall wellness journey, a pediatric chiropractor can make a significant difference.

Investing in your child’s health is an important step towards their well-being. If you’re ready to explore how chiropractic care can benefit your little one, reach out today!

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Bronson, please contact us at 888-333-0491 or Contact us. Your child deserves optimal health—let’s take this journey together!

Newborn to 18 months. A Child’s Developmental Milestones to Watch

Our nervous system develops in phases, much like building a house. Kids develop in stages identified by developmental milestones. When children experience issues with speech, social challenges, or sensory problems, we can help identify what is happening and work to correct it.

All kids develop at different rates, but there are standard signs and expectations that can help us identify problems. Sometimes a simple misalignment in the body can start a chain reaction that can cause developmental delays. That’s why we like to start with the pregnant mother and newborn, to get ahead of these possible issues. So much happens between delivery and 18 months that get them ready to eat, sleep properly, talk, see, hear, etc. It’s important to get their bodies in an ideal situation before they get to school age to prevent problems that can affect their ability to focus on learning.

In school, kids are expected to have their basic motor functions in line and be able to socialize, reason, speak, understand, and function “normally.” Of course, educators make exceptions and help kids who are falling behind in these areas, but sometimes the delays are preventable and can be treated. Once again, the human body is meant to heal itself. As natural doctors, chiropractors, and naturopathic physicians, we are here to help the body do what it does best. Heal and function optimally.

As parents, we know how hard it is for kids to transition from home to kindergarten and beyond. We can see them struggle in some areas, and typically we think they need more time or tutoring. Perhaps that’s true. But what if their physical bodies are just not functioning properly, like providing the optimal flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout their bodies? Drugs won’t help that. Specialized pediatric chiropractors can and do help kids with development every day. And it’s a tremendously rewarding experience.

Here are some of the phases to watch out for and to use as guidelines when you interact with kids:

0 to 4 Months – Easy Automatic Phase

The first phase is zero to four months, which is when kids aren’t doing much motorized. However, with head control, infants begin to develop gross motor skills in the first three months of their life. They should be able to turn their heads from side to side, exhibit head control while being held at about 8+ weeks, and hold their head up during tummy time. This is important because it allows the child access to more things to interact with and prepares for the next stage when motor skills kick into high gear. Also, during breastfeeding, if a child does not latch on both sides, it could be due to a neck issue. Many kids develop torticollis at this stage from not being encouraged to turn their heads both ways during play or tummy time. During this first phase, they’re eating, sleeping, cooing, expelling from everywhere, and just being adorable. That’s what we want them to do, be comfortable using their automatic functions and processing system, with their brains working hard to process information and learn how to do new things. At this point, they’re doing that on autopilot. If your child struggles in this phase, we’d like to get involved quickly to prevent sensory developmental delays. Some warning signs are trouble going to the bathroom, trouble eating, reflux, head control, and problems nursing or latching. These can indicate a subluxation in their cervical spine or other developmental struggles and can affect the sensory system in the future with things like hearing, taste, and touch.

4 to 10 Months – Building Motor Skills

Sometime after the fourth month, children start building motor skills. This is when you will want to see them hold their heads up, sit, and crawl. These are precursors to walking, and they are important milestones. Now is when their brains should be less overwhelmed. They should be getting comfortable with their senses and the precursors to social interactions, speech, and language development. If these preliminary stages are delayed, chances are walking will also be delayed in the 10 to 18-month phase.

10 to 18 Months – Integrating Motor Skills

This stage is very exciting for parents. During 10 to 18 months, children get more comfortable moving around, learning their environment, and discovering things. They should be crawling and navigating things like stairs, chairs, sofas, etc. When they learn to get their feet under them, it’s off to the races, and you will see the excitement on their faces when they do. Their brains will be working overtime learning and discovering. Your pediatrician may say they’ll walk before they talk. That’s because the complexities of walking prepare their brains for the complexities of language and speech. Movement helps the brain activate synapses that form higher thought levels, including talking.

You may see a pattern here, where each phase prepares them for the next. That’s why we are so focused on helping children remove physical obstacles to achieving these developmental milestones. Physical affects mental, and vice versa. These first three phases are important to get kids comfortable with the tools they need in preschool and kindergarten.

We realize that every child is different. However, if your child is behind during these first three phases, we would like to intervene and help. A specialized pediatric chiropractor is educated on developmental milestones and ways to help alleviate hurdles they may be experiencing. Our Insight Scanning system is non-invasive and painless. It will show stressors in the body that may be affecting certain areas of development. Plus, it’s a great way to show you visually what’s happening with your child’s body in the autonomic, motor, social, speech, and sensory functions.

We will stop at 18 months because this is the ideal time to catch and correct issues. Your child is a complex biological machine, learning and growing at an incredible rate. We would love to discuss natural health and how Dr. Bronson can get your child into a care plan to give them every chance to grow and thrive.

Call us today to discuss a screening and care plan. (888) 333-0491

Check out our other post about children and chiropractic

Chiropractic for Children?

by William B. Bronson, DBA

If you’ve ever wondered if chiropractic is for children, I have a story for you.

The very first feeling I had when my wife said I was going to be a father, was fear. Fear that I wouldn’t be a good dad, couldn’t protect them, or keep them safe and healthy. Those feelings were mixed with excitement and overwhelming joy. As parents, we have no idea what to do, except dig up everything we remember from our childhood as a roadmap for doing the job. For some, it’s guidance on what not to do, and for others, it’s a pattern to follow. Knowing the difference, well…that’s harder in some cases.

Many of us grew up going to the pediatrician when we got sick. But others, like me, had access to chiropractic and natural health options 24/7. Many times, it wasn’t the easy road to take. But my father taught us that the natural approach would make us stronger to “train” our bodies to fight off illness instead of always bailing it out by covering up the symptoms with drugs.

I didn’t like colds, flu, strep throat, sinus infections, ear infections, chicken pox, etc. But my father ushered me through them naturally for the most part. The trigger to see a pediatrician was the severity of the symptoms. So, if I had a high fever and things were getting worse after natural methods, I would go see the pediatrician for antibiotics or other medicines to help. But, if I had a normal fever and symptoms, my father would help me work through them naturally, building my immune system along the way. He said that every symptom was my body dealing with the situation on its own. You see, our bodies were made to maintain themselves… without outside help. But, sometimes, it’s not enough. These days our environment, food, lifestyle, and other factors hurt our body’s ability to fight illness. And the two schools of thought with that are to either use drugs to help or chiropractic to counteract eroding wellness and to bolster the body’s natural defenses and systems. It’s ok to use both, but parents should know that age-old adage of “give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” That means to me that if I help my kids fight off illness naturally, they will build a lifetime army and be healthier for it.

Also, these days, parents work; often, both parents work. So, it becomes a battle of timing, scheduling, school, and work, and can become overwhelming. It’s no wonder people navigate towards the quick fix of a prescription instead of looking at the root cause and making changes.

Fortunately, I had experienced a long history with chiropractic when I became a father. My father and his parents were all chiropractors, and one of my first memories was how it helped save my life.

I was four years old, and my family joined some friends in Snowmass, Colorado, for a ski trip. It was to be my first experience snow skiing, and I was so excited…but not just about skiing. I found a huge white fluffy dog (Samoyed) outside our cabin, and we became fast friends. Not long after that, we went to dinner, and I was told I could order whatever I wanted. I chose the most expensive thing I saw…a Filet Mignon! My dad was amazed to see me finish it off with asparagus at four years old.

Later in the condo, upstairs had bunk beds. Not your wimpy old two-story ones, but three-story bunk beds, with another normal bed next to them on the floor. Of course, I wanted the top bunk, so I climbed up and then noticed I left my pillow behind. I asked my friend to hand it to me, but she was so far down that I couldn’t reach it. She was already on her toes, so I stretched down as far as I could to reach it and fell like a rock. My neck hit the corner of the bed on the ground, and I was laying there stunned, and I couldn’t move my head. My neck felt swollen, and I was beginning to feel a lot of pain. At that moment, my dad came in the door downstairs and heard my friend’s yelling, so he ran upstairs to see what had happened. All I remember was my head in his lap as he cradled me on the ground. He was feeling my neck to see if I had broken anything. Then he positioned me on the ground and gave me a chiropractic adjustment and then called downstairs for someone to get ice. I lay there with a bag of ice under my neck and my dad smiling at me. He said I had a close call, and I can still see his grateful eyes as clearly now as I did nearly 49 years ago.

I don’t remember much else from that trip except learning to snow ski and that beautiful white fluffy dog. I’ve had many other accidents since then, where my dad was there to help me. I will always feel lucky he was a chiropractor.

But wait! Aren’t chiropractors just for back pain, neck pain, headaches, etc.? Not even close. Chiropractors can help a wide range of issues.

What is Chiropractic?

Many of the online medical sites, like WebMD, define Chiropractic as a “treatment that is primarily used as a pain relief alternative to muscles, joints, and bones… The goal of the treatment is to improve spinal motion and improve physical function.”  Now, while this is a true statement, it’s far from definitive. A growing number of people know from experience that chiropractic treatment can directly or indirectly help just about any situation, even if it’s not the clinically intended outcome. So how does muscle, bone, and joint treatment help children?

Think of it this way. Chiropractic can help restore the normal flow of information and nutrients throughout the body. These messages and nutrients affect everything in your body. So, when you have a subluxation, tension, injury, or other disruption, your body can’t adequately function as intended. Chiropractic treatment affects your body’s “Air Traffic Control” system, called the central and autonomic nervous system. Stress on the nervous system can cause dysfunction in muscles, joints, organs, and other major systems.

Just like in traditional medicine, there are different specialties within the chiropractic profession. Many chiropractors focus on common back pain and sports injuries, but there’s an entire subset of experts who focus on the nervous system, pediatrics, prenatal, and family wellness!

When it’s obvious that the nervous system is struggling, chiropractors look for a root cause. Traditional western medical doctors typically use prescription drugs to treat conditions, and usually, it’s the treatment of symptoms. Antibiotics, aid your body in healing itself, which is the whole focus of chiropractic.

Birth trauma is one of the biggest stressors for an infant and many parents aren’t even aware of it. The physical and chemical stress placed on infants is detrimental to their health, especially if they have trouble recovering from it. So, that becomes one of the biggest hidden secrets of our modern age. A child’s cycle of illnesses and stress could have begun at birth!

What Makes Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors Different?

One of the biggest additions to a pediatric chiropractor’s toolkit is the Insight Scanning technology. For a chiropractor to really understand what’s going on in your nervous system, the Insight Scan helps visually display areas of stress that can lead back to a root cause. It allows the doctor to measure and track your body’s function throughout your treatment plan.

The Insight Scan is not an X-ray. It’s a safe, effective, and accurate technology which measures the exact amount of stress, tension, and dysfunction within the nervous system, providing printable reports for patients, parents, and chiropractors that help them decide on the proper treatment plan to correct it.

This stress and tension within the nervous system can be caused by one or more spinal subluxations, which can be caused by prenatal distress, birth, falls, and even sleeping without proper support. Subluxation and related issues can build up over time without noticeable symptoms, which is why the Insight Scans are so useful. They can pick up issues even if you don’t notice problems yet, and can help correct problems before they get worse.

What Can Chiropractic Help?

Since the autonomic nervous system controls every cell, tissue, and organ in your body, the benefits of chiropractic become incredibly broad. You can best understand the benefits of chiropractic by looking at a condition called dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is also called autonomic dysfunction or neuropathy and is relatively common. Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for maintaining your body temperature, regulating your breathing, moderating your heart rate, and much more. Think about the things your body handles without you having to consciously make them happen. Those things are regulated by your ANS.

Most parents are very familiar with the typical medical system where everything seems to require a different specialist, and none of them seem to communicate with each other.

If children have issues from birth trauma, nursing issues, bathroom issues, colic, ear aches, mucus build-up, coughing, spitting up, not seeming happy, and can’t sleep well…..going to all of those specialists seems like a nightmare.

Dr. Bronson can run an Insight Scan and look for subluxation that may be a root cause of many issues before you run all over town to different specialists. A subluxation could impact the autonomic function and immune system significantly.

What Are Some Chiropractic Benefits?

Chiropractors look at the body as a whole, not just the symptoms, or even individual systems. Dr. Bronson focuses on finding and removing neurological interference and imbalances safely and naturally, without drugs. Once the child’s nervous system is balanced and calm, their bodies can regulate themselves properly, and many issues may simply go away after beginning chiropractic care. Things children could experience:

• Better sleep
• Better digestive regularity
• Better mental focus
• Happier mood
• Better balance
• Reduced or eliminated latching issues
• Less acid reflux issues
• Less frequent illnesses

It’s not that chiropractic “treats” these issues. It treats the body, helping the body solve issues on its own, the way it should. The goal is to remove blockages that prevent self-healing and self-regulation.

When you and your child meet with Dr. Bronson, you will come away with a plan of action. One that you can feel good about, not resorting to drugs, and helping your child develop in a healthier body. Now that’s something to really feel good about!

Gentle Infant Adjustments Using the Activator Technique

The Activator Method is one of the most widely researched chiropractic techniques and the only instrument-adjusting technique with 26 clinical trials to support its efficacy. Activator Methods has published hundreds of clinical and scientific peer-reviewed papers, worked with major academic research institutions, and received grants from recognized entities like the National Institutes of Health.

“As you can imagine, labor can be very stressful for mother and baby. The pressure from contractions puts a lot of stress on the head and neck of the baby. Especially if the baby is not lined up perfectly straight. Ninety-nine percent of infants have a cervical subluxation directly after birth. This goes for all methods of delivering. Both C-section and vaginal birth have equal chances of having a misalignment.”

The Activator Method can be used for anyone, but especially infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Any time a traditional adjustment may be too much force, as with infant adjustments, the activator is a great option. At Bronson Heritage Chiropractic, our infants are our most delicate patients, so it’s important to keep their adjustments gentle.

Common Questions and Answers About Infant Adjustments and the Activator Technique:

What does an infant adjustment look like?

Infant adjustments appear in many different forms- your baby may be placed face down, face up, placed on you, being held, or for our tots, they may be adjusted while playing with toys (especially great for busy kiddos!)

What is that tool you always use?

The activator is a chiropractic technique using a spring loaded tool for gentle and accurate adjustments. It can be manual or electronic, but has the same effect. Fast and gentle.

The activator makes it’s appearance at almost every adjustment! Many of our patients love the activator because it uses very little pressure. We love it so much we have both a manual and electronic versions. Plus, Dr. Bronson is trained in how to use it effectively on patients from newborn through adults.

The activator adjusts the spine by using speed instead of force, and is very gentle.

What Happens During an Activator Adjustment?

During a typical adjustment with the Activator instrument, the chiropractor applies the device to the tissues at or near the affected joint. A small initial pressure is followed by a quick thrust from the device, which feels much like having one’s reflex tested by tapping the knee.

The patient remains still, with no twisting or turning as there often is for a traditional chiropractic adjustment. After this, the doctor will examine the patient to check for improvement of signs and symptoms associated with the complaint.

Two Advantages of the Activator:

• High Speed – The instrument is so quick that the body’s muscles are less likely to tense in response, and resist the treatment. The lack of muscle resistance may facilitate the treatment’s effectiveness.
• Controlled Force – The applied force is localized and does not put the joint in any compromised positions, such as bending or twisting.

The activator helps adjust sensitive areas, like pubic bones on pregnant mamas (ouch!) and tiny spines. The intent is to facilitate the necessary spinal adjustments in an extremely gentle way.

How soon can I bring my baby in after birth?

As soon as you feel comfortable! We can see the tiniest and freshest newborns, there is no waiting period for a healthy nervous system. When the spine is out of alignment it puts pressure on the nervous system, including the brain and nerves that go into the organs. Any pressure decreases the function of the affected organ. For example, pressure on nerves going to the colon could cause decreased bowel function and lead to constipation, gas, or colic. Spinal misalignments, or subluxations, manifest in many different ways, especially in children. They could be fussy, spitting up, get ear infections, coughing and congestion, bed-wetting, colic, latching issues and more. Chiropractic can help regulate the nervous system to minimize pressure and inflammation so the body can operate at its best.

We like seeing babies as soon as possible to make sure they are not stuck in a stressed state. Stress can make it hard for their bodies to adapt to this big world! See our article on developmental milestones.

What are some questions you have??

To schedule a new patient visit or for more info call 888-333-0491

Tis the Season for Allergies

Allergies can grind our daily lives to a halt. We wanted to bring you some very timely information because it’s still wintertime, which for many can bring with it illnesses and allergies. Winter comes with seasonal allergies because of drastic weather changes, daylight hours change, and in Texas the temperature can be like a Yoyo. The leaves and dust cause problems because it’s much drier than in the spring and summer.

We all get sick, but seasonal changes can ramp illness up, so it’s important to know what to do to stay well.

You may be tempted to head to the pharmacy or even the hospital at the first sign of illness. But knowing what to let take its course and what needs attention is an important distinction.

Kids get sick a lot because their immune systems are learning. If they never come in contact with germs, their immune system will be out of practice and weak. It’s important to let our bodies fight off things that are safe to handle naturally. The lack of illness isn’t the main goal. The goal is to build a strong body, including our immune system, so that it can fight off invaders.

This situation is composed of our neurology, physiology, and immunology. We must fight off illness to build the strength to overcome illness. It’s like training to fight, or to do anything really. We are not good at things immediately. We need time to train. So, our bodies also must train to fight off illness.

Congestion can turn into a cold, which should only last a few days and is a great opportunity for our bodies to train the immune system. However, if a cold lasts a week or more, and comes with trouble breathing, and a nasty tight cough, it’s not as simple. You could still fight it off naturally but paying attention to danger signs is much more important. Trouble breathing and high temperatures over 104 are some good danger signs they need additional help.

Build Your Immune System in Advance

To help your child kick the illness naturally, the first step is to avoid things that harm the immune system. Namely, drugs. Drugs can mask symptoms and prevent the body from naturally taking care of illness. Think about vomiting, runny nose, fever, sneezing, and coughing. Those are all ways our body handles illness. What do all of these symptoms have in common? They all expel something from our bodies. If you suppress it, then your body can’t get rid of what it’s trying to expel. And, hindering your body’s natural response can come with some nasty progressions like bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. Understanding how to responsibly deal with illness, without overcomplicating it with medications, is half the battle.

A Shift in Perspective

Parents typically think the first step when children get sick is to go to the pediatrician. But pediatricians treat problems in a much different way than a pediatric chiropractor. Chiropractors specialize in a holistic, or integrated, approach to wellness. Sometimes medical doctors are needed in a particular situation, and sometimes they aren’t. Much like you may be able to change your own oil in your car, but you’ll likely go to a mechanic if the engine won’t run smoothly. At that point, maintenance and prevention are too far gone and it requires a more drastic action.

Our bodies were designed to be strong, but not immortal, so illness will happen. What matters is how it’s handled. Just like training for anything, your body needs challenges to make it stronger.

The Big Picture

As kids grow, their nerves, muscles, and tissues stretch. Their neck, shoulders, and spine grow and stretch which can affect ears, nose, throat, lungs, and lymphatic system. Their growth spurts can also affect congestion, which is normally handled by the muscles from the neck to the thorax. When these muscles are disrupted and tight, they can’t effectively move and drain the congestion through the lymphatic and respiratory systems.

The problems can start as early as birth, exacerbated by the stress of delivery, teething, and rapid changes in their bodies. This, combined with the pressures of school, sports, and social life can take a lot of energy. Kids typically get less sleep than they need and drink much less water than they should. With less sleep, more stress, dehydration, and a constant barrage of input from their phones, computers, TV, etc. it’s no wonder they are more susceptible to getting sick.

Holidays – The Aftermath

During the fall and holiday season, beginning with Halloween, kids take in a bunch of sugary foods and drinks. Candy, cookies, pies, and cakes are all foods eaten in moderation until this time. But when January rolls around, many of us are dealing with a lowered immune system from our holiday diet, stress, and weather changes. The trend of illness in January, February, and March is well documented but we act surprised when colds and flu make their way through our families after Christmas.

Normally, these stressors are easy to deal with one at a time. But when they all happen at once, it’s a perfect storm for sickness. These combined can be hard to handle, particularly if your child was born by c-section, had birth intervention with suction and forceps, and has had a history of colic, reflux, or intestinal issues. If they’ve had developmental milestone delays, balance issues, low muscle tone, or if they have respiratory issues. Respiratory immunological illnesses happen more in children with movement challenges. A pediatric chiropractor can help your child’s body function more as it should, helping the flow of processes that are designed to handle many of life’s stressors.

Steps to Keep Your Children Naturally Healthier

Chill Out – Parents tend to push their kids hard in some areas like sports. But overloaded schedules lead to overdoing it and can negatively affect our immune systems. If a child isn’t feeling well, let them get some rest and incorporate some moderate exercise, like taking a walk, to help things like congestion move and clear out. Movement is good but a crazy overloaded schedule isn’t good for the mind or body.

Get Adjusted – Chiropractic adjustments are an important because a subluxation can create congestion and inflammation. Fixing subluxation can help reduce stress symptoms and open constricted areas that cause blockages in the body’s normal function.

Get Boosted – Things like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, fruits, vegetables, sleep, and plenty of water can help boost our immune systems. Essential oils in a diffuser can help keep airways clear.

Go Easy on the Sweets – Nobody is asking you to do without all the wonderful foods over the holidays. But some moderation is in order. Limiting the amount of unhealthy fats and sugar can prevent the overload many people experience during the holidays that damages our immune systems.

Go Medical Only When Needed – Some prescription medications can have amazing results knocking out sicknesses. Without them, some people would die or have lifelong issues. But overusing these modern miracles can have an adverse result.

As an analogy, think about a machine that does sit-ups for you. How long would it take before you couldn’t do a sit-up on your own? Prescription and over the counter medications can either mask symptoms, stop beneficial but uncomfortable symptoms or do the work for our bodies. If drugs do the work, our bodies don’t have to. It doesn’t sound so bad, does it? But, if we don’t do the work, we lose the ability to do the fighting and need the drugs to do it for us. That’s not a good situation and one that gets worse over time.

Research has shown that kids have more immune system challenges after taking antibiotics. Things like allergies and respiratory illnesses are more likely to cause trouble when our immune systems are compromised.

So, the choice is to allow the child to fight off their illnesses, bolstering their immune system, or opt to let drugs do the fighting and weaken the immune system. We feel that the short-term victory from drugs can create long-term side effects.  We aren’t saying never take your child to a medical doctor, but we caution against using antibiotics and drugs too often. There are absolutely times that medical intervention is necessary. Medicines can help turn around an illness going the wrong way. We just feel that it should be used as a last resort.

As a prenatal and pediatric chiropractic clinic, we welcome the opportunity to help you with a care and wellness plan that’s right for you and your child. We support our patients’ rights to choose the proper care for their families and look forward to proving what chiropractic care can do. Our process includes examination, treatment, and education so that you can feel more confident in your decisions. Let us help you and your family live healthier lives.