5 Misconceptions About Chiropractic Care for Newborns
If you go to a chiropractor, you may be wondering if chiropractic care is right for your newborn. During the decision making process, you may run into a lot of misconceptions. To help you separate the misconceptions from the reality, here's a look at five of the most popular misconceptions.
1. Misconception: It Isn't Safe for Babies and Children to Go to Chiropractors.
This myth is commonly repeated in all kinds of circles, but multiple studies say it's wrong. Perhaps the most compelling study looked at over 110 years of data and found only nine incidents where something had gone wrong. Over that time period, the success and safety rate is actually remarkable when compared to other types of medical treatments.
Another study uncovered a success rate of 99 to 99.47%. Even in that study, the reports of trouble were classed as "mild adverse" reactions. As you can see, the numbers back up the safety of the procedure.
2. Misconception: You Can Do Your Baby's Own Chiropractic Care.
Chiropractic care is only safe when done by a trained professional. Even if you have been to the chiropractor hundreds and time and you feel comfortable with the idea of some of the procedures, you should never attempt to work on your own baby or child. Similarly, you should never crack another adult's back or do anything to manipulate their spine without adequate training.
3. Misconception: Babies Don't Need Chiropractic Care.
Although babies haven't been sitting at desks, shoveling coal or doing any of the other things that tend to make adult's backs hurt, they may still need chiropractic care. Newborns may have been cramped in the womb or they may have suffered spinal trauma during birth. A chiropractor can help address any alignment issues that arose from those experiences.
4. Misconception: Chiropractic Care Doesn't Work for Serious Issues.
In fact, chiropractic care is reputed to work for a range of other issues as well. Parents of babies have turned to it for colic and trouble with nursing (in particular, babies who can't latch). For older babies and children, it's even used for chronic ear aches.
5. Misconception: Chiropractic Care Is the Alternative Care Option.
If you prefer to pursue natural treatments for your child or baby, chiropractic care is not the only option. There is also infant massage, cranial sacral therapy, herbal remedies and more. In some cases, your chiropractor may be able to give you advice on these types of medicine.