Keeping the Stress Off of Baby’s Spine

Pediatric Chiropractic St. Charles

Pediatric chiropractor, Dr. Glenn Ezell, discusses how essential it is to allow your child to develop the correct way, and to identify the ways that can interrupt that process.

First of all, lets identify some of the most common stresses that baby will encounter:

1. An immense amount of pulling and twisting occurs in the neck during the birthing process.

2. Research shows that 50% of babies will encounter a fall from a high place (changing table, bed..etc).

3. Remaining in a car seat for extended periods of time creates chronic stress on baby’s spine.

4. Parents encouraging baby to be weight-bearing too early.

5. Children will fall approximately 1,500 times within the first 2 years of life.

These are a few among the many different traumas that your baby will encounter. They all will affect baby’s nervous system negatively unless corrected. Let’s discuss.

The birthing process is often the source of baby’s first trauma.

Anytime baby has a fall, this has the tendency to cause shifting of the pelvis or spinal vertebrae.

Most parents don’t realize that their baby is in the car seat for longer than they should be. The reasons why are because the seats that we have now are very versatile. They no longer just stay in the car, we can clip them out and take them everywhere for convenience. Often times we are very busy and don’t feel like we have the time to take them out and when we do, they might be sleeping and do not want to wake them. Baby is in a constant flexed position and by being this way, the secondary curvatures of the spine are not able to develop. Babies need tummy time to develop proper cervical and lumbar curvatures.

Encouraging baby to become weight bearing too early is another big concern. Sitting baby up, holding them in a standing position, or putting them in an entertainment type chair puts a tremendous amount of stress on the spine, discs, and ligaments. These are motor developmental milestones and should not be pushed. Every child develops somewhat differently, and should be let to reach those milestones on their own.

So how do you check your baby for spinal problems? The key is to look for symmetry.

Does baby nurse well on both sides? Or does baby have trouble turning head to one side?

Does baby have a head tilt to one side?

Does one leg draw up shorter?

Are both feet positioned at the same angle or does one turn in, or out dramatically?

If you squeeze baby’s buttock cheeks together, does the crease go straight up the spine or does it curve?

These are cues that any parent can check for. If you notice any of these signs, or need help in identifying them, seek a qualified chiropractor to evaluate as necessary. Call our office and ask to see Dr. Ezell if you have any questions. 636-916-0660.

Have a fantastic week my friends!

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell