Pregnant Mothers, Infants, Kids, and Chiropractic
Chiropractic becomes an attractive option for those mothers to be who seek a health care system that does not use drugs.
The many physical and chemical changes that happen coincidental to pregnancy may aggravate pre-existing spinal problems. In the first two trimesters, the mother-to-be may experience a range of new symptoms that come on without other causes.
As postural changes accommodate to increased body weight and its distribution pain and/or aches in the lower back, buttocks, groin and legs, are common.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy appears to assist to reduce fatigue and discomfort associated with spontaneous restricted joint movement and associated loss of spinal balance.
During the heavy weight-bearing stages of pregnancy, pelvic malfunction may coincide with marked discomfort. In my clinical experience, chiropractic care can make the difference between functional capacity and virtual incapacitation.
I prefer to adjust the mother to be, shortly before the birth is due and soon after childbirth. After the birth related physical and emotional stress, many new mothers return for some close adjustments.
Regarding chiropractic for newborns, in my opinion, the initial chiropractic examination soon after birth may be one of life's most important checkups.
Over the decades, a chiropractor may see many babies who had symptoms relating to colic. Parents wanted to know; 'Can chiropractic help that?' I do not know why, but among those babies who have the appropriate subluxations not all respond to chiropractic care. Variations among those who do respond are common. Thus, the wait between adjusting the infant's spine and the outcome is an uncertain time.
Unfortunately, many of today's young ones go through a common sequence. The baby has colic, problems with sleep and feeding, high levels of restlessness. Mothers comment that the baby seems to hold her/him self in a tense manner. The baby suffers a series of upper respiratory infections with associated breathing difficulties.
As time goes by recurring infections in the ears may attract high use of antibiotics, and precede an operation for stints. Tonsillectomy may follow. These children might go on to develop asthma.
When I was a child, an adult neighbor had crippling asthma. Throughout my childhood and youth I knew of no other person who had asthma. Apparently, in our state of WA the per capita incidence of asthma is one of the worlds highest. For further background information read the book Poisonous Prescriptions.
My classmates and I swapped sandwiches; we shared bread, milk and nuts. I knew of no kids with allergies. The book: The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic is also worth reading.
Likewise, the massive incidence of today’s epidemic levels of behavioral disorders such as dyslexia and the range of ADHD type disorders seem to be a modern day phenomena which did not seem to be evidenced when I was a child. Unfortunately, chiropractors are not free to express their views about what may cause so many of today's kids to be so unwell.
In parting, may I tell of my first visit to the Community Midwifery (WA) office in Pearse st North Fremantle? It is worth a visit, a welcome surprise with very helpful staff. For details of their services, go to their home page at http//www.com.cmwa.net.au and click on the picture with small feet.
Best wishes,
Michael McKibbin DC