Second to being in the womb, the first year of a child’s life is a period of intense growth. At birth the spine is 20cm, within 24m will grow to 45cm. The entire spine doubles in the first year! The first 12 months of life are also crucial for spinal curve development, and 65% of neurological development occurs in the first year.
Given these rapid changes, the vertebrae are especially susceptible to changing shape in response to pressure by slowing bone growth. Spinal misalignments will causes asymmetrical growth, and tension on nerve system means less ability for growth and development.
This then leads to changes in the health of these sweet little ones. Infants may develop symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Reflux, or spitting up
- Irritability, or colic
- Difficulty nursing (impaired sucking, head turning, swallowing)
- Sleeping difficulty
- Balance issues
- Delayed developmental milestones
For most parents I meet with, spinal care for their child has not been something they have given much thought to, in fact many adults are the same! But once they observe the gentle care their child receives, and the profound changes in their overall wellbeing, it’s quite easy for them to continue to see the benefits of chiropractic care for their growing family.
I love watching these children grow strong, straight, how they recover more easily from injuries, and get sick less.
What’s even more fun is that when they are not feeling well, or observe something unusual with their body, they ask to see me first!
These children are growing up learning that a healthy body needs good food, exercise, sleep, love, and Chiropractic, and that if something is wrong we can look to figure out what’s wrong rather than just pop a pill or suppress their symptoms, and THAT is what I love the most ?
Disclaimer: Chiropractic care supports overall health, but is not a cure or treatment for trouble breathing, reflux or spitting up, irritability, colic, difficulty nursing, balance issues or delayed development.