A Cure for Colic?Our hearts go out to those unfortunate parents caring for a colicky baby. For most, hearing a baby cry for even a few minutes can be nerve shattering. Imagine what hours of incessant wailing would do to your state of mind. Not only are these parents sleep-deprived and emotionally exhausted, but they also feel completely frustrated and powerless. What’s a parent to do?
Infantile colic is an affliction that still puzzles doctors. It is characterized by inexplicable and uncontrollable crying for extended periods of time in otherwise healthy babies. Some possible causes include gastro-intestinal upset, food sensitivities, or birth trauma, but the exact cause is not known.
Recent studies in Denmark and South Africa have revealed that gentle chiropractic adjustments can vastly improve the symptoms of colic, and in some cases, make it go away all together. In fact, a growing number of Canadian parents are exploring chiropractic care for their infants. To find out more about this growing trend, we contacted chiropractor Allison Barriscale at Life Source Chiropractic Studio. The following is vital information for parents to consider before seeking chiropractic care.
Q: What are some of the common misconceptions about the art of chiropractic?
A: When most people think of chiropractic, the last thing that comes to mind is chiropractic care for children, especially for infants. It is commonly believed that chiropractic care is used to treat spine related symptoms, such as back and neck pain in adults. In fact, chiropractic can be used to care for the spine and nervous system with the intention of releasing nerve interference. Ultimately this will promote the healing of the body and overall well being.
Q: How does chiropractic work?
A: When a stressful experience occurs, such as the birth process for an infant, the body can protect itself by creating what chiropractors refer to as “subluxation”, which interferes with nerve function. Since the nervous system controls all of the body’s internal functions this subluxation can affect any bodily function and contribute to symptoms and disease in any tissue or organ. Through gentle chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors can help to release subluxation from the body and maximize function. When function is restored, the body can heal.
Q: What can parents expect from chiropractic care for infants?
A: Parents who wish to explore chiropractic care for their infants should look for a subluxation-based chiropractor who has experience working with young children. During the first visit, parents will complete forms to provide information about their child’s health. Next, the chiropractor will perform a physical and neurological assessment of the child and determine whether chiropractic care is warranted. Together, parents will work closely with the chiropractor to develop a plan of care to best serve the needs of the child. Parents are often concerned about the application of force to their infants. They can be assured that chiropractors modify the inputs they use with children and apply safe and gentle forces to release subluxation.
Q: Is there any proof that chiropractic helps relieve symptoms of infantile colic?
A: There are thousands of inspiring stories of children who have been helped by chiropractic care. To read firsthand accounts online, visit Chiropractors for the Family. Keep in mind, there are also stories of children whose colic symptoms did not improve with chiropractic care. Chiropractors cannot predict what will happen to a child’s symptoms, all we know is that miracles can happen when nerve interference is released.
Q: Can chiropractic help with any other conditions common in infants and children?
A: Parents want nothing more than for their children to be healthy and happy. Chiropractic care can be a proactive family wellness approach to health for people of all ages and can help the body heal a variety of specific conditions. Not only have chiropractors seen incredible results for children with colic, but also in other conditions such as ear infections, constipation, sleeping difficulties, growing pains, bed wetting, headaches, and asthma. I encourage parents to explore chiropractic care for the health of the entire family. It may be just the thing they have been looking for!
To locate a chiropractor who works with children in your area or to ask Dr. Allison a question, please feel free to contact her office.
Life Source Chiropractic Studio
548 King Street West, Toronto
(416) 728-7365
-- Sarah Simpson
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