Let me start with the facts. These “facts” are not just hypothetical ideas. These are real statistics and real studies that show that chiropractic care for children is not only safe, but vital. Consider these figures:

– A study by Abraham Towbin, MD, a pathology expert, shows that “spinal cord and brain stem injuries often occur during the birth process, but often escape diagnosis.” (Towbin, A., “Latent Spinal Cord and brain Stem Injury in Newborn Infants”, Develp Med. Child. Neurol, 11:54-68,1969) This often leads to something known as Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome, a cause of Upper respiratory tract infections, including ear infections and chronic tonsillitis. (Gutman, G., “Blocked Atlantic Nerve Syndrome in Infants and Young Children”, Manuelle Medizin, 1987)

– A study in which blocked Atlantic nerve syndrome was corrected with chiropractic care showed that 40 of 43 children studied with ear infections improved with chiropractic care only within two weeks of fitting. (Froehle, RM, J Manipulative Physical Therapy, 1996 Mar-Apr;19(3):169-77)

– A study by JE Upledger showed a definite and significant relationship between restrictions in movement of the upper neck area of ​​the spine and children with learning disabilities. (Upledger, JE, J Am Osteopath Assoc 1978 Jun;77(10):760-76)

What we have here is a high prevalence of something known as “birth trauma” that is causing children to suffer as they grow up. When bones misalign, they press on nerves. When this happens, the entire body suffers as a result. These misalignments are known as “subluxations.” So the question is what type of healthcare professional is trained and qualified to diagnose and correct such a condition. Only a Doctor of Chiropractic can do this, particularly one who has specialized training in the care of pediatric patients.

Birth trauma causes a DIRECT impact on a child’s tiny nerves. However, there are two other main reasons why subluxations can occur indirectly: mental stress and toxic stress. While mental stress may not be as common in childhood, toxic stress is, particularly since many vaccines contain compounds like thimerosal and formaldehyde as preservatives. A child’s immune system is not even fully developed until after the age of two. Therefore, vaccinating a child before the immune system is capable of handling such an antigen may affect the immune system’s response at a later time. This is the reason why many children can still develop a disease even though they have been vaccinated against it.

I am often asked by mothers-to-be what is the safest way to give birth to minimize the occurrence of birth trauma. They are pleased to know that the upright or squatting position is not only easier for the baby, but also much more comfortable for the mother. The baby has the advantage of having a gravity assisted delivery which minimizes the amount of force placed on the baby’s head and neck. Mom is not in as much pain because the baby is not pressing on the sacral plexus nerves as she normally does in the typical “lithotomy” position (mom is lying on her back with her legs in stirrups). These safer and less painful positions minimize the chance of subluxation for both mother and baby.

Children who receive regular chiropractic care actually live healthier lives. While I was a chiropractic intern at Life University in Marietta, GA, I met many people my age who had never been sick in their lives. They said the key to their bountiful level of well-being was that they had never had a vaccination and had been receiving chiropractic care since the day they were born. I have seen for myself how much happier and more vibrant children who receive chiropractic care are. It is very heartwarming to see children no longer have to take medications like Ritalin, asthma medications, or antibiotics because they began receiving chiropractic care instead. Seeing a child who was once sick being able to laugh and play with other children in an optimal state of well-being gives me the greatest joy. Chiropractic works!