Pediatric Care

Why Should I Bring My Baby in?

Birth can be a unique experience for every child, and depending on factors like forceps, vacuum extraction, breech positioning, or a c-section, it can cause tension or misalignment in your baby’s neck and skull. Babies often spend time in the birth canal in various positions, which can lead to tightness and discomfort. This is why it’s never too early to bring your newborn in for their first visit!

Is Chiropractic Care Only for Newborns?

While newborns can greatly benefit from chiropractic care, it’s important as your child grows and reaches developmental milestones like rolling, crawling, pulling up, and walking. These stages often involve falls and bumps that can cause misalignments in the spine. As children become toddlers, start running, and eventually engage in sports, it’s crucial to ensure their spine is moving well biomechanically. Pediatric chiropractic care is designed to address the specific needs of each stage of childhood development—because children are not just little adults, and their care should reflect that.

Children’s Chiropractic Safety Research

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) has conducted groundbreaking research on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. Preliminary results have been outstanding, showing that chiropractic care is not only safe but also beneficial. Parents have reported unexpected improvements in their children’s health, including:

• Better sleep

• Enhanced behavior and attitude

• Strengthened immune function

I Think My Child Has Tongue Tie!

Tongue, lip, and cheek ties (TOTS) are increasingly common in children and can cause issues with feeding, speech, and overall oral health. TOTS can restrict the movement of the tongue or upper lip, leading to difficulty nursing or transitioning to solid foods. Symptoms include:

• Poor latch or frequent feeding

• Colic or reflux

• Cracked nipples or pain during breastfeeding

• Speech difficulties or picky eating habits in toddlers

• Orthodontic problems and mouth breathing

• Recurrent ear infections, tonsillitis, or sleep apnea

Why Does My Baby Need “Body Work” Before and After a Frenectomy?

If your child has TOTS, chiropractic care before and after a frenectomy (the release of the tongue or lip tie) is crucial. The restriction caused by a tongue tie pulls on the cranial bones, jaw (TMJ), and neck muscles, leading to misalignments in the spine—also known as “subluxations.” Chiropractic adjustments help restore movement in the joints and allow the body to adapt and function optimally after the procedure.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Treatment is gentle and non-invasive. Your child will typically lie on a comfortable pillow, and light massage will be performed on the neck and jaw muscles. Tongue stretches—similar to those recommended by lactation consultants or pediatric dentists—will also be done. The chiropractic adjustment is very specific and gentle, applying light pressure to the restricted spinal segments, with no twisting or popping of the spine. The pressure used is the same as checking the ripeness of a tomato.

Children Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care:

• Babies with complicated births or birth trauma

• Colicky babies

• Babies with torticollis (favoring one side of the head or neck)

• Babies with latching or feeding difficulties

• Babies with digestive issues (e.g., constipation)

• Babies not meeting developmental milestones (e.g., crawling, walking)

• Babies with flat or misshapen heads

• Babies and children with reflux or excessive spitting up

• Children struggling with sleep

• Kids with poor posture from activities like video gaming

• Children involved in sports

• Children with scoliosis or growing pains

Types of Treatments Offered:

• Craniosacral Therapy

• Logan Technique

• Activator Method

• Rehabilitation & Corrective Exercises

• Myofascial Therapy

Dr. Ashtiani’s Training and Expertise:

Dr. Ashtiani has completed over 200 hours of pediatric chiropractic training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). She is also trained in addressing Tongue & Lip Tie issues and has specialized in Craniosacral Therapy. Additionally, Dr. Ashtiani holds a 10-month SOT Pediatric Certificate, equipping her with the expertise to provide comprehensive care for children at all stages of development.

At Essence Chiropractic & Wellness, we are dedicated to ensuring your child’s spinal health and overall well-being as they grow and develop, with care tailored to their specific needs.