Chiropractic care for babies has been a topic of debate among parents and experts alike. While some parents have reported positive experiences with their infants receiving adjustments, others have raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of such treatments. In this article, we will explore the experiences of Ohio parents who saw a positive change in their baby after chiropractic adjustments, as well as the opinions of experts on both sides of the issue.
### Ohio Parents Share Positive Experience with Baby’s Smile After Chiropractic Adjustments
A newborn in Columbus, Ohio, named Lily Freeman, had a rough start in life. Born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice, Lily’s parents, Joseph Freeman and Stephanie Murdock, noticed that she exhibited signs of discomfort and distress from an early age. Despite visiting multiple doctors who attributed her symptoms to colic, Joseph and Stephanie knew that something more was going on with their baby.
### Seeking Alternative Treatment for Baby’s Discomfort
After exhausting traditional medical options, Joseph and Stephanie turned to social media for advice. Many fellow parents recommended they see a chiropractor, which came as a surprise to the couple as they were unaware that chiropractors treated children, let alone infants as young as Lily. However, with no other solutions in sight, they decided to give it a try.
### A Chiropractor’s Perspective on Pediatric Care
Dr. Josh Russell, a chiropractor at Ability Chiropractic in Hillard, Ohio, explained to Joseph and Stephanie that the birthing process can be traumatic for both mother and child, leading to potential misalignments in the spine that can cause discomfort and other issues. Dr. Russell and his colleague, Dr. Tyler Morman, often treat babies with colicky behavior by performing gentle adjustments to help restore proper spinal alignment and function.
### The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Babies
According to Dr. Russell, chiropractic care can be beneficial for babies, toddlers, and children who may be experiencing issues with eating, sleeping, or bowel movements. By addressing misalignments in the spine and promoting proper nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being in young patients.
### Positive Results and Transformation
After just a few visits to Dr. Russell, Joseph and Stephanie noticed a significant improvement in Lily’s demeanor and mobility. They were thrilled to see their baby smiling for the first time and able to sleep more soundly without waking up in pain every 20 minutes. The transformation in Lily’s behavior was a testament to the potential benefits of chiropractic care for infants.
### Expert Opinions on Chiropractic Care for Babies
While some chiropractors and parents swear by the benefits of chiropractic care for babies, not all experts agree on its safety and efficacy. Dr. Lora Tanis, a New Jersey chiropractor and president of the Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics, recommends chiropractic care for babies who may be experiencing neuromusculoskeletal conditions that could benefit from spinal evaluation and adjustments.
### Safety Concerns and Risks
Despite the positive experiences shared by some parents, concerns about the safety of chiropractic adjustments for infants have been raised by experts like Dr. Beth C. Natt, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health System in New Jersey. Dr. Natt and organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics caution against chiropractic care for infants due to potential risks of serious adverse events associated with spinal manipulation in pediatric patients.
### Conclusion
The debate surrounding chiropractic care for babies continues to be a complex and nuanced issue. While some parents have reported positive outcomes after seeking chiropractic treatment for their infants, others remain skeptical of the safety and efficacy of such interventions. As with any medical decision, it is essential for parents to weigh the potential benefits and risks of chiropractic care for their babies and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed choices about their child’s well-being.
