A baby's spinal development is so important to the milestones they reach as they grow older: grasping, pushing/pulling, lifting his/her head and shoulders, crawling, standing and running. The stability and adaptability of the spine as an adult is in large part determined by its condition in early life. Babies and children may have musculoskeletal conditions which may be treated by chiropractors, that in turn, can better their well-being.

Common juvenile complaints:

• Torticollis

• Colic

• Sprains/Strains

• Otitis

• Enuresis (Bedwetting)

Although not all conditions can be directly treated with chiropractic care, improvement in musculoskeletal health may impact associated problems.

 

Medical practitioners perform special reflexes on pediatric patients to evaluate any weakness or detect a neurological abnormality in their central nervous system. They include:

 

• Moro Reflex - Birth to 2 months

  • This involves startling the baby to see whether the arms flail outwards normally

• Rooting - Birth to 4 months

  • Stroking the infant's cheek should cause turning of the head towards the side of the stimulus. This instinct is present to promote feeding. Eventually, the child habituates to this stimulus and begins to react to feeding voluntarily.

• Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex - Birth - 4 months

  • By observing arm movement upon head rotation, the doctor can evaluate whether this innate reflex is present. This is thought to prepare the infant for the development of hand-eye coordination and reaching for objects.

• Palmar Grasp  - Birth to 5 months

  • Stroking the palm triggers the curling in of the fingers so the infant automaticallt holds on to what is in his/her hand

• Babinski - Birth to 2 years

  • Involves stroking of the plantar/underside of the foot to elicit the splaying of the toes and raising of the foot. However, if this sign continues past 2 years, it may indicate an abnormality in neurology.