Caring For Pregnant Women and Children

I have seen first hand how chiropractic care is important for both healthy pregnancies and for the first years of life. Pregnant women receive the gentle QSM3 technique and full-spine care using the Activator and Webster techniques. This helps their bodies adjust to the rapid changes of pregnancy and keeps muscles relaxed so that the baby has the best chance of getting “in position” for delivery.

Children around the age of 5 and younger are more often cared for from a QSM3, full-spine and cranial therapy approach. Only in special cases are X-rays deemed necessary.

Relief and prevention during pregnancy

Pre-existing, but unnoticed imbalances in your spine and pelvis become more pronounced during pregnancy and make it more difficult to perform routine daily activities. Rapid growth of the baby and movement of the muscles and joints of the pelvis and ribs also contribute to discomfort and pain.

Chiropractic care throughout your pregnancy can relieve and even prevent common discomforts during this time.

 

Resources

For more information on kids and chiropractic, check out the following websites.

ICPA Research—Kids and Chiropractic  

Strengthened immune system

Chiropractic care during pregnancy actually strengthens your nervous system to overcome stresses and achieve optimal overall body function. Since pregnancy is a time when all of your systems are “functioning for two,” regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is extremely valuable.

A better, easier labor and delivery

Maintaining a balanced pelvis allows the ligaments connected to the uterus to maintain an equalized, supportive suspension for the baby and allows for unrestricted movement and optimal positioning for birth. Having the baby’s head in an ideal presentation for delivery is essential for a safer, more comfortable birth. The notion of a baby that is either “too big” or a labor that “just slowed down” is actually a result of the baby’s presentation interfering with the normal process and progression. A sub-optimal presentation can lead to multiple high-risk medical interventions (including the administering of pitocin, use of epidurals, painful episiotomies, forceful pulling on the baby’s fragile spine, vacuum extraction forceps and even c-sections) which may be physically and emotionally traumatic to both you and your baby.

Published studies have indicated that spinal and pelvic adjustments may even reduce labor time. Dr. Chavez restores a state of pelvic balance and creates an environment for an easier, safer delivery. You and your baby’s continued safety and comfort are foremost in our care.

Gentle adjusting for children

Fast or difficult births. Falls and tumbles. Heavy book-bags, and long hours in classroom chairs. These are just some of the reasons why children deserve an evaluation from a chiropractor who works with children.

Dr. Chavez takes a full examination of his pediatric patients, and determines the best approach for care, given his findings. At that time, he will discuss his plan of care with the parents or guardians of the child, prior to correcting any mis-alignments. Most children do not need x-rays to be examined, and children typically respond much quicker to their adjustments than adults.

When adjusting the spines of children, Dr. Chavez uses many techniques, and sometimes employs different sensory integration tools, as well as cranial adjusting. All adjustments are extremely light, and typically there is no popping or thrusting.

The child may feel a slight discomfort when the doctor palpates or touches certain areas, but after the adjustment, the child feels much better.

Many of our pediatric clients love to come and see Dr. Chavez because they innately know that he is helping them to live and grow without interference.

Dr. Chavez offers special family pricing when all children are brought into the office to get checked at the same time as mom and dad. Please ask us about our special fee schedule for families. 

 

Signs your kids need care

Childhood Disorders and the Spine

Many common childhood disorders may be the result of nervous system interference or malfunction caused by spine related problems. Chiropractic care is not a direct treatment for these problems, but is a way to improve spine related problems that could be causing or contributing your child's illness. Below is a list of possible related health complaints for different age groups.

Infants to toddlers

Ages 10–15

Children in this age range have the most minor traumas and repetitive stress injuries to the spine making this the most critical time to maintain balance for spinal growth.

  • Colic

  • Unexplained crying

  • Poor appetite

  • Inability to nurse on both sides

  • Earaches or ear infections

  • Frequent colds

  • Allergic reactions

  • Crawling without symmetry, or crawling with dragging one leg behind

  • Cannot turn head equally in both directions

By age 10 the effects of repetitive injury set in, and clear postural cues have set their course. Children at this age are most often evaluated for NUCCA care. Keep in mind that during this last stage of development, your child's spinal growth will be greatly affected by most if not all of the following:

  • Improper backpack loading and carrying

  • Poor Posture

  • Inactive lifestyle

  • Repetitive Sports movements

  • Typical sports injuries

  • Overuse of computer

  • Forward head posture

  • Loss of cervical curve

Toddlers to age 10

During this time your child will begin school and spend recess climbing on monkey bars, sliding down slides, playing sports and generally leaving themselves open to repeated falls and tumbles resulting.

  • Hyperactivity

  • Learning Disorders

  • Bed wetting

  • Allergies

  • Asthma

  • Growing pains

  • Reduced range of motion when turning head