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HELPING PEOPLE IMPROVE THEIR LIVES

Moms & Kids

• Pregnancy
• Birth
• Children
• Parents, Grandparents and Community

Pregnancy

Women and their partners learning and knowing the benefits of receiving chiropractic care while pregnant is so important. We love adjusting women throughout pregnancy because we know that a healthier pregnancy means an easier labor and delivery. Therefore, the more positive the birth experience and the better the baby's start in life!

A pregnant woman's body, as well as the growing baby's, is going through structural, hormonal and neurological changes at an unbelievable rate. All these changes are coordinated by the nervous system. Chiropractors adjust the body to help a person to release stored tensions. This helps to maintain a healthy nervous system free of interferences, or what is termed subluxations. Thus, adjustments allow the nervous system, and thus the body, to function better because interferences to the communication system are released. Proper communication throughout the mother and the baby's system allows for a fuller expression of life.

It is easy to see the physical changes of pregnancy. The woman's center of gravity changes as the weight of the baby pulls the spine forward, the muscles of the back thicken and the abdomen will "anchor" to support and stabilize the structure as the body changes. All this is coordinated by the nervous system and if there is any interference to the expression of these changes, tension will increase in the front of the body as it adapts to the altered communication. This tension causes the muscles and other soft tissue structures to do most of the work, in other words, it's the tension and not the structure that supports the baby. The mom will have added strain to her structure that will create geometric shifts that increase the tension on the nervous system, as well as on other communication systems. The increased tension is also important to note because it will create less room for the baby to turn and move and will potentially increase the likelihood of breech and mechanical deliveries.

There are more benefits of chiropractic care for the mom and baby. For instance, A study done by Dr. Diakow and reported in the in the Journal of Manipulation and Physical therapy (JMPT) showed that women under regular chiropractic care had an 84% reduction in back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic care can help the expectant mom and the baby to enjoy a very precious time while they are still physically connected.

Mothers receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy is preventative care in its truest sense. Releasing and preventing subluxations in mothers is preventing subluxations in their babies during childbirth. Every woman needs chiropractic care throughout pregnancy- so that the arrival of her baby is the most brilliant experience.

1. Fallon, JM. "The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labor: A comprehensive Study" Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic 1991; 24-31

Birth

During Labor, as the baby is descending, the mother's pelvis needs to be able to accommodate the movements. Joints that are under tension and are not allowed to move freely may distort the mother's pelvic opening by up to 4 cm and thus make it more difficult for the baby to pass through the canal. Chiropractic adjustments that release subluxations allow the body to function better and allow the pelvic joints to move freely, thus accommodating the baby as best as possible.

Even with relatively easy births, subluxations can form. In an ideal situation babies' skulls, vertebrae and joints are flexible and soft enough to pass through the small birth canal with little or no injuries. However, the flexibility makes them vulnerable to extra force that may be applied by the person helping with the delivery or babies that come out with a less than optimal presentation. Babies may present many ways: face first, breech, head tilted to the side and even face up. The best position is face down and top of the head first which allows for the best pathway. The alternative positions put substantial amounts of force on the heads and necks of the baby as well as increasing the pain to the mother. In typical vaginal births, the first vertebra is often misaligned. This misalignment is very significant, because it protects the part of the brain stem that controls breathing, heart and other basic functions. In Caesarian births, children have cervical injuries in the lower neck region, and it is even more common if the baby was already engaged in the mothers pelvis. Furthermore research done by the Academy of Allergies, Asthma And Immunology has shown that the stresses of the procedures on the baby are correlated with higher risk for allergies.

The baby has joints that are not fully formed and are very resilient; the articulations are flat and thus very moveable. Hormones for pregnancy relax the mother's pelvic joints to accommodate the baby's head and also relax the baby's joints so they can be compressed through the canal. Once through the canal, the baby and mothers joints reset. If the joints are unable to fully return to a "normal" position, the child will grow up with a distorted spine. The mother can develop symptoms like sciatic pain and other pelvic problems as well as the child experiencing consequences. The child can experience conditions like cervical scoliosis, slowed motor development and Rye Neck, among other things according to studies. The risk factors are correlated with the use of extraction aids like forceps and prolonged labor.

Studies have shown chiropractic care to improve symptoms of colic, asthma, and ear infections. This data suggests that misalignments and distortions of the spine could decrease the function of the body thus allowing a malfunctioning to occur and for symptoms or conditions to be expressed. Once the interference and distortions are released with the help of a chiropractor, normal function returns. Optimal function is a huge reason to take the newborn to the chiropractor immediately. While the baby's body is settling in, distortions can be easily released thereby reducing the years of potential ailments and maximizing the function of the body.

1. Gutman, G. "Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome in Infants and Small Children" Manuelle Medizin 1987; (Reprinted in ICA International Review of Chiropractic; 1990; July-August pp.37-42.

2. Biedeman, H. Kinematic Imbalances Due to Suboccipital Strain in Newborns. Journal of Manual Medicine.1992 (1332) pp.101-120.

3. Fallon, JM: the role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children with Otitis media" Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1997; 2(2): pp.167-182

4. Wilberg, JMM, Norsteen, J Nilsson, N. "The Short term Effects of Spinal Manipulation in the treatment of infantile colic: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial With a Blinded Observer" Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics 199; 22(8) pp.517-521.

5. Balon, JM et al. "A Comparison of Active and Simulated Chiropractic manipulation as an adjunctive Treatment for Childhood Asthma" New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 339: pp.1013-1020.

Children

What are your hopes for your child? Most likely, brilliance and health are high on your list. Every child deserves to experience a healthy, brilliant life. Healthy nervous systems are a requirement for healthy, brilliant lives. A very important, but little known component is that the spine, which protects the spinal cord, needs to be checked professionally more often than even our eyes or teeth!

How do children's spines relate to their health? It is the same as it is for adults. The spine protects the nervous system, which coordinates every process between the mind and body. The spine receives forces from the daily stresses and traumas of life. These forces distort the positioning of the spine and cause slight pressure on the spinal cord, thus reducing the flow of communication between the mind and the body. This tension, known as subluxations, alters how well the nervous system functions and thus how well children's precious minds and bodies' function.

Chiropractors help children by releasing the stress or tension (subluxations) on the nervous system so the body can heal and thrive. Spinal and nervous system health have far reaching effects. Chiropractic does not treat symptoms and disease; it does help the body function better through a healthier nervous system.

The following are a few studies that demonstrate this:

• "Several preliminary studies performed by researchers like Thomas Wood, MD and have shown marked improvements in brain function following care, some studies have shown improved mental abilities such as concentration, memory, attention span, and reasoning.
• "A retrospective study performed by Dr. Froehle, and reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies showed a 43% decrease in ear infections with only 1 or 2 treatments, in fact 93% of the cases studied showed a marked improvement in less time and with less medical intervention.
• "Furthermore, a study performed by N. Klougart of Anglo-European College of Chiropractic demonstrated that babies who experienced symptoms of infantile colic responded to spinal care within 5 days. The results, children only using chiropractic had an average of almost 3 hours less crying time, and thus less discomfort per day than the children on medication alone.
• "Furthermore, case studies published in JACA by Sandefur and Adams showed that autistic children had a reliable 50% improvement in behavior.

Many more studies exist that further show how children's lives are brighter and healthier with chiropractic care

How do I keep my child's spine well? Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in the study of the spine, nervous system and how they relate to the health of the body. We, at Brilliant Life Chiropractic Center, use very safe, gentle and effective methods. The child receiving the adjustment will only feel very light contacts.

When should I have my child checked for subluxations? The answer is-NOW! The daily stresses and traumas that a child comes into contact with begin with the birth process itself (see Birth section above or articles related to birth). Through releasing subluxations to a child's spine and nervous system, every aspect of their life and health is enhanced. Give your child a brilliant and healthy beginning so they can begin to achieve their highest potential in life.

1. Wood, Thomas J. "Upper Cervical Adjustments May Improve Mental Function" Journal of Manual Medicine. 1992; 6; 215-216.

2. Carrick, F." Changes in Brain Function After Manipulation of the cervical spine" Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics 1997; 20(8); 529-545.

3. Kessinger, RC, Boneva, DV, "Neurocognitive Function and the Upper Cervical Spine" Chiropractic Research Journal 1999; 6(2).

4. Froehl, RM, "Ear Infections: A retrospective study Examining Improvement from Chiropractic Care and Analyzing for influencing factors" Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies 1996; 19(3):167-177.

5. Fallon, JM: the role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children with Obits media" Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1997; 2(2): 167-182.

Parents, Grandparents & Community

Now that you have read how crucial it is for your children to receive chiropractic care. We just want to remind you that it is every bit as important for you too. Your children depend on you (whether you're their parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, nurses, day care providers, store clerk, mechanic, airline pilot, etc…) to be the best you can be in the world. Chiropractic helps you accomplish that by releasing the interference that stops your mind and body from performing at its best. If your body is functioning optimally, you will be better because of it, and the children will benefit from the clarity, joy and health that you bring to the world. (See Chiropractic Benefits)

Grandparents- Need a gift for a holiday, birthday or special occasion? Give the gift of chiropractic to your grandchildren and children and watch them grow with health, inner peace and joy.