Childbirth, Infant and children Subluxations

	The 1st Subluxation the birthing process The birth process, even under natural and controlled conditions, is potentially traumatic. During the pushing stage of labor, the spine, particularly the neck, may be injured as the baby is compressed and pushed down the birth canal. As the baby is compressed, the small bones of the spine may be pushed out of natural alignment. This causes the nerves to become stretched or twisted, and the vital communication system is disrupted. This neurological disturbance is called a subluxation, and it may result in the failure of one or more parts of the body, as well as health in general. Subluxations can also foster the onset of sickness and disease as the body weakens. The Doctor of Chiropractic specializes in the detection and correction of subluxations. Instead of treating the symptoms of the disease, the chiropractor corrects the subluxation so that normal body functions may take place. Is a Subluxation Serious? The best and most accurate way to get checked for subluxation is by a chiropractor. It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations. Yes, subluxations are serious because subluxations cause nerve interference between the brain and body affecting healthy function. All body functions are controlled directly from the brain sending and receiving messages over nerves. During a natural birth, newborns frequently suffer subluxations as they are pulled, twisted, and compressed. Damage to the spine and delicate nerve tissue is also common. The vertebrae are easily pulled out of alignment by excessive and forceful extension of the infant's head with forceps, vacuum extraction, c-section, or even manual doctor assistance. return to top Checking Your Child All children should be checked for subluxations from birth throughout their lives. However, subluxations detected and corrected early can eliminate serious complications. Some complications can result in respiratory depression which has been linked in some cases to SIDS. Other implications of subluxations are chronic illness, ear infections, allergies, asthma, and other common but dangerous illnesses.   Infants who survive and are properly diagnosed for subluxations have a better chance of having the neurological defects ultimately eliminated and therefore optimal health from the beginning of their life. Although birth subluxations may cause immediate symptoms, there may be far-reaching effects that are manifested for years. The child's ability to fight against disease, for example may be lowered. Cold, ear infections, colic, and other illnesses may result. Newborn infants should be checked within hours after birth by your chiropractor. Subluxations are a serious threat to your newborn's health. Your child should be checked frequently by a chiropractor to ensure the best opportunity to grow and develop normally. return to top Chiropractic and Ear Infections It has been found that over 90% of all episodes of ear infections treated with chiropractic adjustments improved. Seventy percent of the cases improved within 10 days and over 40% with only one or two adjustments. Ear infections (otitis media) are the most common cause of pediatric visits, and subsequent antibiotic use during the first two years of a child's life. In the U.S., the cost of the medical and surgical treatment of otitis has been estimated to be between three and four billion dollars annually. Use of antibiotic therapy for treatment of otitis media has become quite controversial. Research shows that antibiotic treatment of otitis media is no more effective than a placebo. It also can increase the risk of reoccurrence. Click Here to view the Ear Infections Video return to top Chiropractic and Colic Colic is a term used to describe a seemingly healthy baby who cries persistently and often violently for no apparent reason. This distressed behavior is believed to be a reaction to pain. Medical studies have proven that chiropractic adjustments on infants to be a more effective treatment of colic than using drug therapy.
	Infanti colic can be as troublesome for the parent as the child experiencing the condition. Characterized by a multitude of symptoms, the child suffering from infant colic does not usually respond to simple comforting methods and exhibits periodic fussiness that can last over hours or days. Normal nerve supply is vital for proper function of body and every organ, including the stomach, intestines, and other abdominal organs. Any vertebral subluxation causing interference to the nerves in this area could adversely affect gastric function and result in discomfort, gas and other colic symptoms. As the infant with colic responds to chiropractic care, parents usually note that the child sleeps for longer periods without fussing, and requires less comforting. In a study looking at babies receiving chiropractic care for colic, over 90% of parents saw improvement in their baby's behavior within two weeks of initiation of care. A little over half of these babies had already been unsuccessfully treated, usually by pharmacological means. Another study found 91% of babies experienced a reduction in colicky behavior following as little as two chiropractic adjustments. return to top Chiropractic and Pregnancy During the 9 plus months of pregnancy and the several months after birth, weight-bearing changes occur. These changes cause an added stress to the whole body and especially the spine. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not a luxury but a necessity. It not only helps you to stay more comfortable, but more importantly helps normalize your nervous system function keeping mother and baby healthy. It should be obvious that if the mother's nerve supply is working optimally, than the fetus has a better chance to grow and develop normally. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the length of time a woman labors. According to research first time moms averaged ¼ shorter labor time, while mothers who have already given birth experienced almost a 40% reduction in the average labor length. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing back labor. Chiropractic adjustments can continue safely throughout the entire pregnancy right up until delivery. The benefits of chiropractic care may also he noticed during delivery. Many chiropractic patients report that their deliveries were faster and more comfortable than deliveries previous to chiropractic care! A quicker delivery reduces the need for drugs and provides a happier and more comfortable birthing experience. We will take special precautions with you during your pregnancy. Modifications to the table or adjusting techniques are made during each stage of pregnancy. Keep you and your baby health with regular chiropractic checkups and adjustments. return to top Chiropractic and ADHD Chiropractic has reported success with attention deficit disorder for years, and this has been supported by recent studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. In one study, chiropractic care was more effective in treating ADHD than traditional means of medication.

The statistics showed that chiropractic care was 20 to 40 percent more effective than commonly used medications with no side effects. Chiropractic is a natural and powerful way to help regulate the chemical imbalances in children and adults by correcting imbalances in the spine and nervous system without medications.

It is estimated that as many as 5 million children in the United States alone are afflicted with ADD or ADHD in varying degrees. Symptoms often cluster with hyperactivity to include lack of concentration, short attention span, impulsivity, fidgetiness, low frustration tolerance, difficulty with compliance, and poor social interaction. Traditional methods of medical intervention are aimed at turning down the child's level of activity through the use of drugs.

Years ago it was discovered that children react to stimulating drugs, such as Ritalin and amphetamines, in an opposite manner from adults. Nowadays, children and young teenagers are commonly placed on these drugs for years to suppress their activity level. Unfortunately, this response is not without severe side effects. The known side effects of these drugs include nervousness, insomnia, stomachache, skin rashes, suicidal thoughts and violent actions towards others.

Other symptoms include loss of appetite, leading to weight loss, and accelerated heart beat. Some children become very drug dependent and experience episodes of anxiety if dosage is changed or terminated.

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Chiropractic and Asthma

Chiropractic has been shown to dramatically improve asthma through corrective chiropractic adjustments. In a recent study, children with asthma showed an overall improvement in the lung capacity after only 15 chiropractic adjustments." Other findings documenting abnormal spinal mechanics associated with asthma.

Although the traditional methods for controlling asthma and allergies are numerous, sickness and death from asthma appear to be increasing.As stated in The New England Journal of Medicine in February of 1992, this trend is at least partially due to side effects from regular use of asthma inhaled medications.

Chiropractic adjustments in many cases will produce immediate relaxation of the neck musculature responsible for obstructing the airway. These adjustments improve respiratory function by restoring normal nerve function, which in turn may result in improvement in the respiratory system.

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How can something as natural as being born cause subluxations?

Being born is a natural phenomenon. It's what we've done to the birth process that has become increasingly suspect. In hospitals, birth is often treated like a disease. A newborn's introduction to the world is often accompanied by a severe drop in temperature, loud noises and other insensitivities. The administration of drugs and anesthesia can have a profound effect on a newborn.

First, you don't need anyone's approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting your child! Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest pediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.

Chiropractic is extremely safe for infants, children and adults. A survey of the largest insurance carriers that provide malpractice insurance for chiropractors shows that no claims for injuries to children have been filed during the past five years.

Chiropractic adjustments for infants and young children involve very mild fingertip pressure to the neck or spine. There is no discomfort or pain associated with chiropractic adjustments for infants and children. Because children are growing and developing they usually require fewer adjustments. The actual number of adjustments will depend on the duration and severity of the condition.