The Developing Spine
The other day I was asked to post something to help people understand the growing infant and toddler spine, how we should take care of it and set little people up for healthy spinal development.
I thought I would google that and slap up a post to reflect my ideas, developed over 20 years of having the privilege to work with this age group, and raising 2 babies of my own (remember we learn from mistakes too – my now grown kids are certain their tight hip flexors started from all the time spent in the mid 1990s jogging stroller with less then stellar support – uggg! But on the up side they had a mom full of good mood endorphins from that running : )
The problem was that none of the pages I read, to share, echoed my ideas. For the most part, all of the pages that came up had a passionate, extreme point of view; either every baby should be checked every week for their lives due to an extremely vulnerable nervous system, that only a Chiropractor can keep healthy, or, NEVER take your baby to a Chiropractor as it is dangerous and a scam. I am just not in either of these camps.
Thus far on my personal journey, I am sure of a few things. First of all, I know that our bodies are miraculous and, for the most part, take care of themselves. However, I also know that we must prepare them for a life out in gravity and set them up to grow with as little asymmetric compressive forces as possible. For I also know that it is asymmetric compressive forces that wear joints down over time. I also know that bodies tell us when they are uncomfortable, as adults we can often ignore these whispers until they are screams but a baby’s discomfort begins as a scream.
As far as helping their little bodies prepare for the compressive forces of gravity, I really appreciate the wisdom in Dr. Eric Goodman’s book “True to Form”. In chapter 8, “Little Bodies Become Big Bodies”, he reminds us to let their bodies be curious and able to explore. Movement patterns associated with turning towards activity and tummy time and crawling should all be encouraged. Car seats should only be used to keep them safe when travelling due to the compressive forces and lack of head support. When they can walk, even though it takes longer, we should let them walk, not carry them or keep them in a stroller.
In this age group there isn’t a lot of research to support Chiropractic Care. No pharmaceutical company is interested in funding the research as there is no money in it for them and I bet they fear the outcomes, as over a life time a lot less medication would be needed. And, it is tricky research to do, take colic, for example. It would be wrong to say Chiropractic care helps colic as it cannot help some reasons for colic, like food sensitivities. Crying due to musculoskeletal causes and their consequences is what we can help. When a mom or dad brings a colicky baby to me, I have a pretty good idea after the initial exam, if the baby will improve with Chiropractic care. If her spine is supple and non tender and moves well then, there is nothing for me to help with. (I would then refer them back to their Medical Doctor, to one of our talented Public Health Nurses or Naturopaths). The other issue with blanket clauses like “Chiropractic helps colic”, is that some Chiropractors have much more training and years treating this population so would have better outcomes.
So, I read the research but learn the most through colleagues and my practice – If the birth process had been challenging: vacuum extraction, hours of pushing or a tight C-section removal, there certainly can be more of a chance that the wee one has a sore neck, shoulder or a headache. This is often seen as a fussy baby. If any of you have had a “rib out” or a tension headache, you know that it is worthy of complaint. These babies often prefer one breast to the other when feeding and will have a favorite side to turn their head to when laying or in the car seat. If this is the case, it is relatively easy to detect and correct. We know if the treatment will help in just a few visits. Afterwards the baby is more comfortable and just as important, they will grow with more balance and symmetry.
Another common presentation I see is babies with re flux. These babies do not like to lay on their backs, nor do they like their car seats. The diaphragm attaches to the spine at the area that is the apex of the curve in their back. If that area does not move fluidly, it is tender on the vertebra and affects how the muscle within the diaphragm closes to keep milk in the stomach. I had a patient from Scandinavia, who told me that its is common practice for Chiropractic care to be recommended by Medical Doctors when their pediatric patients have reflux. Again, limiting time in car seats is recommended to not encourage the front of the body shortening as the grow. Tummy time, when appropriate, is perfect for naturally strengthening them out of this fetal position. It is their first “posterior chain” exercise.
I also see impressive results halting re-occurring ear infections if there is concurrent cervical tension. After the first infection, the immune system or anti-biotics have done the job of killing the bacteria, but should there be secondary neck tension, the bulked muscles close off the collapsible lymph vessels, not allowing for drainage. Now the inner ear remains a moist, warm, nutrient rich area for new bacteria to thrive. Remove the neck tension with gentle mobilizations and soft tissue massage and often, that breaks the cycle.
The longer you have been in practice the more the quote, “the more you know, the more you don’t know” rings true. I continue to learn from these precious little people. I continue to not have all the answers but I am certain I have some and if that can help just one more little baby enjoy their precious life a little more then it is worth sharing.
Like I said, my babies are now grown up. I was with my husband at an over night get-a-way a few weeks ago and noticing all the young families. I quietly sent them wishes to be present and enjoy the time they had with their children – I think a tear was shed, 20 years goes really fast.