Babies & Children

Birth is one of the most traumatic experiences a baby can go through. Even after a successful delivery there are still obstacles to overcome. For parents too, whether it’s the first or second child, the arrival of a newborn has emotional and physical demands. The following article will give some guidelines to help parents and children live happier and healthier lives.

Physical Trauma

The spine of an adult is made up of four main curves. Newborns, however, have a “c” shaped spine, with curves in the neck and low back occurring in normal development. This “c” shape means babies are born with their chins tucked in. Even in this normal position overstressing during labour can cause the upper part of the neck to become irritated, compromising the spinal cord and impeding normal nerve function. The use of forceps and vacuum extraction instruments can also cause unnatural traction to the spine.

Forceps have been associated with skull fractures, intestinal haemorrhage, spinal cord compression, brain damage, damage to the facial nerve and facial paralysis. In some births the collar bone is fractured which can lead to damage of the lower cervical nerves affecting the normal function of the arm. Caesarean births can also be problematic as they are thought to not allow the babies nervous system to be simulated properly.

Emotional Stresses
A newborn baby has three demands; warmth, food and security. Domestic disharmony and maternal distress is very quickly picked up by the infant and translated into irritability, crying and unsettled behaviour. The negative effect on muscle tone, sleeping and feeding patterns is a major contributor to spinal joint problems. Bonding should be encouraged immediately for both mother and father. Holding the infant close to the parent’s body, maintaining sustained eye contact, smiling and making soothing sounds are all important.

Parental Handling

Treating Children
Our practitioners have successfully helped babies and children suffering from common problems such as:

• Colic and sleepless nights
• Feeding difficulties
• Asthma or other breathing difficulties
• Bedwetting
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Sinus and dental problems
• Headaches
• Bad posture

A baby’s spine usually develops perfectly by the end of pregnancy. It is the stress placed upon a baby’s head, delicate spine and nervous system during birth that can cause spinal dysfunction. Medical research has shown that many problems early in a child’s life can come from birth trauma.

As your child grows and develops they often fall and bump themselves which can also affect spinal function. The spinal degeneration and problems that adults often encounter may begin in childhood. Like tooth decay, it can be slowed down or possibly prevented with treatment.

How can parents recognise childhood spinal problems?
It can be difficult for parents to recognise when a child has a problem with their spine. There are some signs that parents may look for. Common indicators may include the child’s head constantly being tilted to one side, restricted head or neck motion to one side, disturbed sleeping patterns or the infant may have difficulty feeding at the breast on one particular side.

How are children treated?
At the Back Pain Centre Sunderland we are passionate about treating babies and children. After a thorough history is taken, your practitioner will conduct a careful evaluation of your child’s spine. Our practitioners are trained to evaluate paediatric spinal problems and will use gentle, specific skills to identify and evaluate. This will involve a posture assessment, range of motion tests, orthopedic and neurological tests and a spinal assessment.

Our practitioners will then use gentle techniques that suit children of all ages, to help rebalance your child’s spine. Children generally respond quickly because they heal rapidly and unlike adults haven’t yet developed long term altered movement patterns and spinal degeneration.

Any child whether they had a normal, instrumental or caesarean birth should be checked for spinal joint problems soon after birth and then at regular intervals during their development.

The information provided is for general guidance only and must not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.