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Understanding and Addressing Speech Delay in Children

Pediatric Chiropractic

Like so many other developmental challenges in kids, witnessing your child struggle with speech delay can be such a heartbreaking and frustrating experience. It not only affects their communication skills but also leads to social and emotional challenges as they find it difficult to express their needs and emotions. 

Whether your child has been diagnosed with a speech delay or you suspect one, this blog aims to shed light on the science behind speech delays. Additionally, if your child is receiving speech therapy services but is still struggling or has plateaued with their results, we’ll get into how often traditional therapy is fantastic but not able to fully address the root cause. We’ll break down the neurology behind speech delays in kids and provide actionable steps to address the root cause. 

Understanding Speech Delay

As parents, your child’s first words are so eagerly anticipated. Few things can compare to first hearing your little one say “Mommy,” “Daddy,” and “I love you.” So as time goes on, and those milestones are missed, disappointment and confusion set in. This is a common scenario for parents dealing with speech delay. 

Speech delay occurs when a child’s language and communication skills develop more slowly than expected, which is actually an indication of stress or interference within their brain and nervous system. Children with speech delay may have individual words but struggle to string them together and form clear sentences. 

Traditional pediatricians often attribute speech delay to “bad luck” without providing a comprehensive explanation. Speech delays are most commonly an issue with the “physical” formation and execution of speech, especially once other neurological disorders or hearing challenges are ruled out. 

The Role of Birth Interventions (Trauma) and Speech Delay

By far and away, the most common but massively overlooked correlation we see with speech delays in our practice is the connection between birth interventions and trauma. Birth interventions such as forceps, c-sections, vacuum extraction, and induction can contribute to speech delays, especially in severe cases like apraxia of speech.  Chronic ear infections, torticollis, and plagiocephaly, often linked to birth interventions, play a crucial role in understanding the root cause.

These types of delivery methods put tremendous pressure and physical tension on the cranial nerves, brainstem, upper neck, and vagus nerve. This results in a neuromuscular dysfunction known as subluxation. Subluxation is a neurological dysfunction that creates interference or disrupted communication between the brain and body, specifically affecting the nerves and muscles that control speech perception, formation, and execution. 

The Role of Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Speech Delay

At Rochester Chiropractic and Wellness, our chiropractic approach doesn’t aim to treat or cure your child’s speech delay. Instead, our focus is on addressing the root cause – neuromuscular dysfunction and interference. We collaborate with you and other providers to create personalized care plans rather than recommending and doing the same thing for each child simply based on their delay or diagnosis. We know that each child is unique.
While witnessing your child struggle with speech delay can be disheartening, addressing the root cause with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can be so rewarding. To learn more and ensure your child gets back on track, schedule a consultation with our PX Docs at Rochester Chiropractic and Wellness. If you are not local to us, be sure to check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. We are ready to help you unlock your child’s full potential by getting to the root cause of their speech delay.

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Navigating the Challenges of Tongue Ties in Newborns

Pediatric Chiropractic

One of the most talked about topics concerning infants’ and babies’ health is tongue ties. It is becoming increasingly blamed for numerous pediatric health conditions. If you are wondering if your child has a tongue tie and if it is the reason behind their struggles with latching, uncomfortable nursing, weight gain, colic, reflux, and overall comfort, we want to help you sort that out!

We want to delve into the science behind tongue ties in babies with you. Going beyond their potential impact on breastfeeding, speech, and neurodevelopment. We will explore why tongue ties are prevalent today and uncover the true root cause behind these troubles.  By understanding the condition and its implications, you can make informed decisions about what to do next.

Naturally, as a loving parent, any difficulties with breastfeeding, latching, or discomfort can immediately put you on high alert. It’s common to receive suggestions from friends, relatives, or pediatricians, with one of the first mentions being, “Could it be a tongue tie?”. Suddenly, you find yourself thrust into a topic that presents a multitude of opinions and options, and is often overwhelming to navigate.

Tongue Tie: What Is It, and What Are the Symptoms?

Tongue tie is a condition that affects newborns. Where the strip of tissue that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, restricting movement and function of the tongue. Breastfeeding can become challenging for babies with tongue ties, as they may struggle to latch properly and nurse effectively. Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) is a term often used to describe this condition. It includes discussion of the frenulum and other connective tissues of the mouth and jaw.

Some common difficulties experienced by babies with tongue ties include:

  1. Difficulty attaching to the breast or staying attached for a full feed.
  2. Being unsettled and seeming hungry all the time.
  3. Slow weight gain compared to expectations.
  4. Making a “clicking” sound during feeding.

Many signs and symptoms of tongue ties overlap with general colic and neuro-gastric distress in infants. Which can make it challenging for you to differentiate between the two and determine the root cause of your baby’s nursing and sleep challenges.

Is It a Tongue Tie Causing the Struggles or Another Factor At Play?

To answer this question, we must explore the causes of tongue ties. While traditional medical explanations attribute tongue ties to genetics, we know there is more to the story. Some natural health practitioners connect tongue ties to mutations in MTHFR genes, which affect folate absorption. Studies even suggest that increased folic acid intake, as in prenatal vitamins, may play a role.

As pediatric chiropractors specializing in neurology and neurodevelopment, we go beyond traditional approaches by looking at the nervous system and considering factors such as soft tissues. The nervous system’s tone influences the tone of muscles and soft tissues. If both the mother’s and baby’s nervous systems are stuck in fight-or-flight mode, it can affect the frenulum, mouth, and jaw. 

While physiology and chemistry matter, true health, and development start with the nervous system. 

Tongue ties, like many conditions, often result from a combination of factors, creating a “Perfect Storm.”

What is the Connection Between Prenatal Stress, Birth Trauma, and Tongue Ties?

This “Perfect Storm” frequently begins during the prenatal stage due to the emotional fight-or-flight response of the mother and baby. It becomes compounded during the birth process or delivery. Where physically stressful births commonly involve misalignment and fixation of the vertebrae, which have biomechanical and musculoskeletal effects. 

Combined with in-utero stress, a neurological component arises during key developmental periods. In fact, a study found that 99 out of 100 healthy newborns experienced somatic dysfunction (misalignment and fixation stress) during the birth process. This adds further pressure to the already compromised cranial and oral system, impacting the baby’s neuro-oral movements.

Care Options for Tongue Ties:

Many parents opt for tongue-tie revision surgery performed by a pediatric holistic dentist. You may consider making this decision based on concerns regarding nutrition, neurological development, and emotional bonding with your baby. However, like any medical procedure, certain factors should be considered first before making this decision.

If your baby experienced stress in utero, abnormal fetal positioning, or birth trauma, the increased tension and thickness of the soft tissues may be a protective response to the entire neurological system. The key is to address the underlying tension and consult with a neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractor before considering surgical revision. By doing this, we can work together with surgical revision to achieve the best short-term and long-term outcomes for your baby.

Navigating tongue ties or potential tongue ties can be complicated and complex. We are here to help! We so often find that a baby’s tongue tie is associated with moderate to severe tension and stress in the nervous system. The INSiGHT scan, a gentle and non-invasive thermography-based scan, can provide insights into the neurological struggles your baby may be experiencing. 

Remember, as parents, you are not alone in this journey. We want you to have access to the complete narrative, encompassing the underlying factors behind tongue ties. By exploring comprehensive care options, you are enabled to make well-informed decisions for your baby’s health and well-being.  This approach will greatly contribute to you and your baby’s prosperous journey during the nursing period and throughout infancy. Something every parent and baby deserves!

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Antibiotics and Kids’ Health: Empowering Parents to Be Advocates

Kick the Sick

As parents, our primary goal is to ensure the well-being of our children. One critical aspect of their health is understanding the appropriate use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware that antibiotics are not always necessary or effective in treating certain infections. Such as viral illnesses or chronic ear infections. We want to dive into the importance of empowering and educating parents to become strong advocates for their children’s health. We will also shed light on the long-term health consequences of antibiotic misuse, and emphasize the need to address the root causes of common childhood infections.

Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Concern

Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This poses a significant threat as these infections become difficult, or sometimes impossible, to treat with conventional antibiotics. By understanding that antibiotics are not always the solution, and there are always natural alternatives, parents can play a crucial role in preventing the development of antibiotic resistance.

The Disruptive Effects of Antibiotics on Children’s Health

  1. Weakening and Suppression of the Immune System
  2. Disruption of the Microbiome
  3. Disruption of the Neurotransmitters and Gut-Brain Communication
  4. Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics can be effective against harmful bacteria and lessen symptoms at the moment. They can also weaken and suppress the immune system. This can leave children vulnerable to recurrent infections and compromise their long-term health.

The human body hosts a vast community of microorganisms, known as the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Antibiotics indiscriminately kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiome. This disruption can lead to various health issues in children. Such as increased risk of infections, digestive issues, allergies, asthma, anxiety, etc. 

There is a neurological link as well. Emerging research suggests that antibiotics may also disrupt neurotransmitters and the communication between the gut and the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential, and this disruption can impact children’s mental health, cognitive development, and overall well-being.

Lastly, as previously mentioned, repeated exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This not only limits treatment options but also perpetuates a cycle of antibiotic reliance, further compromising children’s long-term health.  If antibiotics are continuously taken for smaller issues early in life, they won’t be as helpful later on for helping any serious, life-threatening issues.

Addressing the Root Causes: “Poor Plumbing” and Neuro-Immune Imbalance

As neurologically-focused chiropractors, our goal is to get to the root cause of your children’s challenges.  The overuse of antibiotics for conditions like ear and respiratory infections fails to address the underlying cause. The real root problem lies in “poor plumbing” and impaired drainage, along with an imbalance in the neuro-immune system. These factors contribute significantly to recurrent infections and compromised health in children.

Pediatric chiropractors can help a child’s nervous system, and overall physiological function, improve to better hold off and clear out respiratory and immune challenges.  We make this happen with increased “plumbing” and drainage of the ears, sinuses, lymphatic system, throat, lungs, and gut. And by lessening the sympathetic fight or flight response of the body, which leaves it in a pro-inflammatory and immune-suppressed state.

By improving the “plumbing” and wiring of the body, a child is often able to clear out congestion, inflammation, and infection faster and more efficiently. All without the use of dangerous and overused antibiotics and other medications.

For those parents that want to learn even more and better understand the science behind pediatric chiropractic, it is described here in this article on subluxation. Subluxation means stress stuck on the nervous system, and the neurological imbalance piece is called dysautonomia.   

Birth Interventions and Trauma: Unveiling the Connections

Another thing to keep in mind when digging into the root causes of children’s health challenges is that certain birth interventions and trauma. Forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-sections, have been linked to long-term health issues in children. Research has shown associations between C-section deliveries and respiratory and autoimmune conditions later in life. These interventions can disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiome, and cause physical tension that affects the function of the Vagus Nerve. Which affects the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of immune function and inflammation.  

This is another reason why neurologically-focused chiropractic care is so important.  We will consult with you and your child to dig into the child’s case history, look for root causes, and will do a deep dive into the function of your child’s nervous system. We do this by using incredible technology called INSiGHT scans that can detect subluxation within their stressed-out nervous system. 

Empowering and educating parents about appropriate antibiotic use is crucial for safeguarding children’s health, and combating the rise of antibiotic resistance. By understanding the disruptive effects of antibiotics on the immune system, microbiome, and neurotransmitters, parents can make informed decisions, and seek alternative approaches to address the root causes of infections. 

We are trained and ready to provide those drug-free, natural options you have been looking for!

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Ears, Antibiotics, and Asthma…A Perfect Storm

Kick the Sick

The understanding and facts behind this topic are so clear and have been for so long. It’s hard to believe every parent isn’t told the full truth about this all-too-common ‘Perfect Storm’ story. 

What am I talking about? The clear, and all too commonly seen path from childhood ear infections to lifelong asthma and immune challenges.

It starts with the way we birth and deliver babies in today’s traditional medical system. 

For thousands of years, kids were brought into this world WITHOUT the need for “intervention and induction”. Was every birth perfect and non-complicated? Nope. But 30-40% or more of them didn’t end with anesthesia, surgical tools, and a baby being pulled out by their head and neck either.

We’re starting with the birth process because it’s where the most common injury to the upper neck, brainstem, and cranial areas occurs. It’s the first “kink” that occurs, and it sets the stage for the rest of the path to develop. As you’ll see, one problem leads to another, and it just keeps going.

When there is physical strain, tension, pulling, and stress placed on the child’s head and neck during the birth process, it very commonly leads to something called a subluxation. We like to explain subluxation as having three parts – misalignment, fixation (“stuck”), and neurological interference/irritation. All three of those components are at play in this situation.

The greater the amount of intervention during the birth process (induction, forceps, vacuum, C-section, etc.), the greater the likelihood of a significant subluxation to the upper neck and brain stem area. Is it an ‘absolute’ situation? No, few things are… but in our 11 years of clinical experience, it’s a very, very strong correlation.

How Childbirth Relates to Ear Infections

Those three components of subluxation lead to two main problems that cause and contribute to ear infections:

  1. Poor “plumbing” or drainage
  2. Lowered (weakened) neuro-immune function

Physical trauma to the neck in-utero, during birth, or from a fall early in life creates that “kink” in close proximity to the “drain pipes”. All coming from the ears, sinuses, and head. Specifically, the top two vertebrae share a lot of nerve supply, muscles, and structures with the inner ear and sinuses.

If you “kink” those vertebrae you start to “clog” the drainage of the surrounding structures. In this case, that includes not just the ear, nose, and throat region, but the lymphatics that drain the head and neck as well.

Pediatricians still today give the ‘explanation’ to parents that “early in life the Eustachian tubes are just more horizontal. And for some kids, that’s worse than others” and so on and so forth. Well, they are right… sort of. Those tubes are more horizontal early in life, but that’s because they were designed that way!

Gravity plays far less of a role in actually draining the fluid from our ears than does one other major factor – MOVEMENT.

You see, when those two ‘physical’ components of the subluxation occur – misalignment and fixation – not only does it “clog” up the actual physical space in the ears and sinuses and lymphatics… but it’s the FIXATION part that really messes things up. When those vertebrae get jammed and “stuck” from that early physical trauma, they don’t move around as easily. Therefore, they don’t do their job in helping move fluid out of the ear and sinuses.

Finally, the longer that fluid is allowed to sit in the inner ear, the greater the chance that “bad guys” like viruses (most of them) and bacteria set up shop, replicate, and cause an infection.

And on top of all that, because that region of the brainstem and spinal cord house and protect a very important “hard drive” and “operating system” for our immune system… when we have a subluxation there, we can have compromised neuro-immune function.

So if you have bad plumbing and poor immune function, you have ear infections.

The Role of Antibiotics

But, that’s why we have Walgreens and CVS on every corner filled with antibiotics of all shapes and sizes right!? All a parent needs to do is go to their local pediatrician, urgent or immediate care, ER, or minute clinic and talk for a few minutes, grab the prescription, and head out. And all is good then, right?

Not so much.

We’ve had plenty of research since the 1980s that antibiotics don’t work very well for ear, sinus, and respiratory infections. And, they don’t come without side effects. Not only are there short-term side effects such as stomach pain and diarrhea in a lot of kids. There are also long-term ones are even worse.

Many studies have shown that if a child is given antibiotics early in life, it increases their risk of other long-standing inflammatory and autoimmune type issues, like asthma, later in life. Especially within the first 12-24 months.

But the problem doesn’t stop there with over prescribing antibiotics. Read an excerpt from another study that spells it out plain as day: 

“Antibiotics are not recommended for either diagnosis, as most of these infections are viral, but antibiotics are frequently prescribed to children with these diagnoses. Reducing unnecasssary antibiotic use is important: antibiotics are the leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits for pediatric adverse drug events and contribute to antibiotic resistance.” 

Even the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends a watch and wait approach. “Updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guidelines address the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated acute otitis media (AOM) in children aged 6 months to 12 years. The new recommendations, which offer more rigorous diagnostic criteria to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, were published online on February 25 and in the March issue of Pediatrics.”

So if they’re known to not work well, known to have short and long-term side effects, and known to contribute to what is now a major public health crisis (antibiotic-resistant strains or “superbugs”)… then why do they still get prescribed left and right by pediatricians and doctors of all sorts? Good question.

Our guess is that most pediatricians still lack the level of education and understanding in natural health remedies and neurologically-focused options. Yet care deeply and want the child and parent to receive some relief. They then turn to the only thing they have in their ‘tool kit’ and still provide antibiotics.

Where birth trauma and poor plumbing come into play

Before we wrap up this blog post, let’s circle back to the birth trauma and poor plumbing discussion. Is that the only negative health effect our kids may face after significant birth intervention or trauma? Unfortunately, no. That is just where things get started. 

In case history after case history we see the following Perfect Storm pathway play out: 

You can read more via all the links provided above, or by checking out our entire birth trauma article here. 

Does asthma come after tubes?

But before we finish up this blog post, let’s explore the neurophysiological connections to asthma and how the next level of medical treatment, ear tubes surgery, may be at play. 

Just like the guidelines for when to prescribe antibiotics are not necessarily set in stone, neither are the ones that help doctors know when to recommend ear tubes. Most of the time it looks something like this: 

  • 3 or more ear infections within 6 months 
  • 4-6 ear infections within 12 months 

We’ve certainly seen many case histories of patients who’ve well surpassed that mark. We’ve also taken plenty of case histories of kids who’ve received two or even three different ear tube surgeries. That likely comes from the reality that ear tubes and surgery “force” an improved drainage system. For a short time period. As the child grows, the root cause of the buildup and poor plumbing is still not addressed. The body pushes out the original tubes and goes back to the same Perfect Storm it has been stuck in. 

Just like ear infections and upper respiratory challenges are the #1 reason for a visit to the pediatrician, this is the most common surgery (myringotomy or tympanostomy) in kids. It is performed over 700,000 times in the United States each year, costing $1.8 billion dollars. 

So Where Does All That Stuck, Virus-Filled Fluid Go Next?

Many parents report immediate relief from the eustachian tubes surgery. Sadly a few weeks or months later, they start to notice that their child appears to be talking and breathing differently. Their voice changes a bit. They become a bit more hoarse, unclear, and labored in their breathing. Seemingly having to “work harder” at it than before. 

This time the pediatrician isn’t as concerned with the ears. Now they say that the tonsils and adenoids are “swollen” and the kiddo has a strep infection. But hey, don’t worry! This one is actually bacterial a lot of the time, so you guessed it! MORE ANTIBIOTICS!

Well, as time progresses the snoring gets worse. The sinuses and throat get more jammed up. The breathing more labored, and the strep infections more frequent. So finally the pediatrician says to go back to the ENT and see about having the tonsils and adenoids removed.

For most kids, this means the same doctor, same hospital, and same surgical routine. After previously drilling some holes in one body part, they just altogether take out a few more. 

Like building a coffee table you bought at IKEA, who needs all those extra body parts right? I’m sure they were just “extra” and not really needed for good, long term immune health. 

(Sorry for the satire. It’s heartbreaking when you know what’s really going on and know that parents are not told the whole story and not given ALL of their options.) 

So, back to the hospital. More surgery, more ice cream. And, more dispersal of the fluid into other places within the body. 

The fluid keeps moving “south” and starts to set up shop now in the lungs and upper airway. It’s simply the next stop on the anatomical map. Where the ear, nose, throat, and lymphatics were all supposed to be draining into naturally and easily this whole time before the birth trauma. Or other trauma set up that subluxation and “kink” in the plumbing system.

Asthma & Allergies Set in for the Long Haul

Essentially now this child becomes sick every single day of their life… Advair, Flovent, Singulair, etc.  They can’t run without challenges, they can’t go outside without challenges. Spring and fall are nightmares for them due to “allergies” as they’re now called.

Basically, it started out as a short-term, acute problem that could’ve been fixed for good. Instead of improving plumbing and restoring neuro-immune function, it is now a lifelong chronic illness and immune dysfunction. What was once a kid who struggled for a night or two with pain and discomfort, is now a kid who struggles every single day of their life.

It’s an absolute “Perfect Storm” all on its own. 

These kids don’t need more antibiotics and they don’t need more surgeries. Their families need more facts. They need more doctors and pediatricians who will tell them the actual truth. That antibiotics are not only mostly ineffective for all these challenges, they’re dangerous. 

They need doctors who will tell them to seek out chiropractic care and natural health options for ear infections. Before sending them down this perfect storm road of antibiotics, surgeries, allergies, and asthma. 

If you have a kiddo who is suffering, or if you know someone who is, please get them checked by a pediatric chiropractor to find out if they are subluxated. If there was extra stress during the pregnancy or intervention and trauma during the birth process, the chances are high that they indeed are. 

But that can mean good news for your family! Because that can mean a better chance of finding answers and relief through chiropractic care and natural health! 

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Empowering Your Child: The Key to Supporting Gross Motor Delays and Developmental Milestones

Pediatric Chiropractic

We understand that there’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to taking care of our little ones. From the numerous items in the diaper bag to everything they need day to day, it can be extremely overwhelming. Then there is a whole other chart that isn’t in that diaper bag we need to be aware of as parents, and it’s called the Developmental Milestones Chart. These are things that your pediatrician or family doctor will check in with you on during your well-baby checks. 

Often, motor development and developmental milestones are overlooked, dismissed, or missed altogether by pediatricians and standard doctors. So, in this blog, we are going to discuss gross motor development, referring to your baby’s larger muscles. Milestones tummy time, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. These are important movements that contribute to your child’s overall health and well-being. 

As a parent, it can be challenging to navigate these issues without proper knowledge or expertise in neurodevelopment. That’s why we’re here to provide you with the answers and explanations you need. As pediatric chiropractors, neurodevelopment is our expertise.

If you’re concerned about your child’s motor milestones and aren’t receiving the answers you need from your pediatrician, this is for you. It’s also suitable for parents whose children have plateaued in physical therapy or other related therapies. Please share this information with other parents who may be experiencing similar struggles! 

The missing link we’re about to discuss is not typically found in pediatrician’s offices. Or even evaluations by physical, occupational, or speech therapists. However, when neurologically-focused chiropractic is added in, it can yield excellent results.

PTs and pediatricians are simply not trained to look for this missing link, but it’s present in 80-90% of cases.  If it is not found, it cannot be fixed. If it’s not identified and addressed, it can lead to weak core muscles and limbs, as well as low-tone challenges. We’ll also explore the cause of low tone and break that down in this blog.

The Connection Between Gross Motor Development and the Nervous System

So what is that missing link? 

The key to understanding motor development lies in the nervous system. The developing muscles of your child’s body are under complete and total control of the nervous system. 

The central nervous system is the absolute boss and controller of the muscular system.

When we look at motor delays or structural deformations, such as plagiocephaly and torticollis, we find that these gross motor and structural challenges have a neurological foundation. Stress can affect the central nervous system, causing it to be stressed out and wound up. The nervous system has two sides to it. The sympathetic fight or flight tension side and the parasympathetic calm and relaxation side. When the sympathetic nervous system is firing and overactive, the muscles become too tight and too wound up. This is what we find in many of our gross motor and neurodevelopmental cases.

You may be thinking, “That’s not my child’s problem. My child has low tone.” However, hypotonicity or low tone cannot exist in the core or limbs without first having excessive hyper-high tone in the neuro spinal and brain stem areas. The central nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and motor and sensory nerves that control every tissue and cell of the body, especially the muscles. If the central nervous system is injured during birth trauma, from a fall or childhood physical trauma, it can cause misalignment, fixation, and tension, also known as subluxation.

Subluxation can take the central nervous system and wind up the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system. Especially in the neck, traps, and shoulders. If your child has low tone or coordination challenges, we need to assess their brainstem, neck, and spine to identify any subluxations that may be present. Pediatricians, PTs, and OTs are not trained to assess the nervous system in the same way that a trained, neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractor is.

Sequential Order of Gross Motor Development

It’s important to address gross motor delays, as gross motor development needs to occur in a complete, organized, and timely fashion to kick on fine motor and advanced neurodevelopment. Think of it like project management, where the gross motor system needs to develop first. The big muscles of the neck, spine, trunk, core, and limbs. And it’s not just the big muscles on the outside, but also the muscles on the inside that need to be functioning properly.

This neuro-gross motor system needs to be fully functional before the brain can focus on speech and socialization. As well as behavioral and emotional regulation. What we see all the time is that these gross motor delays are missed. Because it’s not a parent’s job to know how to spot them, and pediatricians are not trained to spot them. 

As mentioned, birth trauma, such as a stressful pregnancy or an intervention during delivery, can lead to subluxation. Subluxation can cause tension and tightness in your child’s neck, traps, shoulders, and spine right from the start. This can result in weak core and limb muscles. In turn making it difficult for your child to develop their gross motor skills, which can then lead to developmental issues later on.

If your child exhibits signs such as being colicky, fussy, having torticollis or plagiocephaly, acid reflux, chronic ear infections, or difficulty sleeping, these may all be indications of subluxation in the central nervous system. Until this subluxation is found, fixed, and adjusted, your child may continue to experience challenges with gross motor development, which can hinder their overall development.  Because everything not only has to ‘go on time’ as the charts say but more importantly, it’s supposed to go in the right order and sequence.

If you have tried everything, from tummy time to regular PT sessions, and are still struggling, or if you haven’t started yet, there is still hope and we’d love to help! Understanding this crucial piece of information can be the key to unlocking your child’s full potential.

If you suspect your child may be subluxated, please give us a call to schedule your exam and consultation. Our team can then conduct an INSiGHT scan. This scan measures neuromotor function and can determine if your child is subluxated and the severity of that subluxation. From there, you can get a customized care plan! This will help your child get back on track with their gross motor development and overall health.

Motor development and overall developmental milestones are crucial for the health and function of the brain later in life. If subluxation is the hidden challenge hindering your child’s development, it’s crucial to take action and address it sooner than later. We want to help you take the necessary steps to ensure your child reaches their full potential!

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From Chaos to Calm: 3 Health Hacks to Manage Mom Stress and Tension

Prenatal

Alright, Moms, here we go. Most of the content we put out on this platform is for you and your kiddos because we know in your heart and in your head they are always your number one priority. Your days are filled with ensuring your children have everything they need, from meals to appointments to extracurricular activities, to their health. You devote so much time and energy to your family that you often neglect your own well-being. Being a mom is one of the most incredible jobs, but also the hardest to keep up with. It can be so overwhelming and exhausting.

But we are here to tell you that there is a way through it. As pediatric and family chiropractors, we have had the opportunity to help countless families. Our favorite moments are when moms ask for help with their own health. So, let’s talk about three quick and practical health hacks that can help you improve your well-being, even with a busy schedule.

Firstly, let us emphasize that these hacks are real-life applicable, considering how packed your schedule is. We understand that you don’t have the luxury to take a month off and go to a wellness retreat. Instead, our focus is on maximizing your time with quick and easy solutions that can fit into your daily routine.

With the insider tips and tricks that we’ve been able to share with hundreds of patients, you can tackle motherhood feeling like a whole new person. You’ll be the kind of mom who can handle anything that comes your way, all while exuding a sense of mystical energy. You will be able to sleep without constant anxiety and stress. You’ll be without the tension that so many moms feel in the “mom zone” – the area between your shoulders and at the base of your neck. Let’s dig into the causes of this stress and tension and how to alleviate it so that you can be the best mom possible.

Many moms that we see in our practice are accustomed to putting their own health on the back burner. They instead prioritize their children’s wellbeing. However, we often ask these moms to consider what it would look like if they made their own health a priority. In response, many moms express that they feel like it is impossible to live a life free from stress and anxiety. They may feel like they are beyond repair due to chronic health issues and a feeling of being constantly tired or anxious.

But the truth is, you can take control of your health and kick the crap out of your stress. It is not necessary to rely on medication and caffeine to get through the day.

By prioritizing your nervous system and well-being through chiropractic care, you can become more resilient, energetic, and less anxious. As the boss of the family, you have the power to model healthy behaviors and create an environment of wellness in your home. 

If you want your children to be healthy, resilient, and full of energy, it starts with prioritizing your own health.

Mom Stress Is Real

The first thing to address is mom stress. It’s a real issue, and it often manifests in the neck, shoulders, and between the shoulder blades. This area is commonly referred to as the “mom zone,” and it can feel like a constant burden. As moms, we all know how life can get overwhelming, from managing group chats to waiting in the pickup line. The longer we’re stuck in this kind of routine, the more our stress builds up in our bodies. Thankfully, our first hack, neurologically focused chiropractic adjustments, can release that tension and bring relief.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

The best part? It only takes five to ten minutes. This is what we refer to as a “health hack.” Sure, a 90-minute yoga session, meditation, growing your own vegetables, and making organic smoothies are all great, but let’s face it, most don’t have time for that in day-to-day real life. The chiropractic adjustment is the most efficient way to reset and recalibrate the nervous system. It’s fast, effective, and feels incredible.  An adjustment is like a massage or yoga on steroids.

We are able to run EMG scans to assess the stress levels of moms, and we can release that tension. But the benefits don’t stop there. Did you know that adjustments to the lower neck can also stabilize the thyroid? And by making adjustments to the middle and lower mid back, we can help to calm the stomach and adrenals. Leading to improvements in gut health and anxiety. These adjustments are fast! Meaning you can get in and out of the office quickly while still reaping the benefits of this powerful health hack.

2. Exercise

So what are the other two health hacks? First, let’s talk about exercise. It’s no secret that exercise is essential for our physical and mental health. However, finding the time to fit it in can be a challenge for busy moms. My advice is to aim for at least 10 to 20 minutes of movement every day. Whether it’s a quick run, a hit workout, a yoga session, or a combination of these. Even on the busiest days, those 10 to 20 minutes can make a difference in how you feel and function.

Of course, if you can carve out an hour for exercise each day, that’s even better. But don’t discount the value of those shorter workouts. Put it in your schedule, block it out, and protect it. Prioritizing movement, even in small doses, can help you be more productive and efficient throughout the rest of your day.

3. Supplements

Finally, let’s talk about supplements. As busy moms, we’re often running on fumes and can benefit from some extra support for our adrenal and nervous systems. Supplements like magnesium and zinc can help support healthy neurological function and provide an energy boost when we need it most. Take a few minutes each day to incorporate these supplements into your routine, and you may notice a big difference in how you feel.

The Importance of Prioritizing a Mom’s Health

Moms, we could go on and on. We love to talk about the importance of chiropractic care not just for your children but for yourself as well. We have seen firsthand how prioritizing your health can positively impact your life and your family’s life.

When you’re able to do all the things you need to do as a mom without the exhaustion, anxiousness, irritability, and fatigue that come with receiving chiropractic care, you become more resilient and adaptable. This leads to a more enjoyable experience for both you and your family.

Let us share a story about one of the families we are currently taking care of. They drive an hour to see us at our clinic. The mom brought her son, who is on the spectrum, and her middle school daughter, who was experiencing focus and anxiety challenges. But what’s amazing is that the mom realized the importance of stress on the nervous system and asked if she could receive chiropractic care too.

After six weeks of care, we saw a significant change in the mom’s posture, face, neck, and shoulders. We asked her how she was feeling, and she started to cry. She said that receiving chiropractic care had changed everything for her. She used to be consumed with stress and anxiety, which led to her yelling and screaming at her kids. But now, she is much more relaxed and happy, which has made their family experience more enjoyable.

Our belief is that moms shouldn’t have to feel tired and anxious all the time. Instead, we focus on restoring and rebuilding your nervous system through chiropractic adjustments.  We will be the first to cheer you on to get your workouts done and supplements taken. When your nervous system is functioning at its best, everything in your life will follow suit.

That’s why we offer care for the whole family, including moms, dads, and kids. We believe that when the whole family is under care, they can become healthy for a lifetime. And when kids see their parents prioritizing their health, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

Don’t put off prioritizing your health any longer. You deserve it.

Take care, and God bless.