One of the first things recommended to new parents is to find a pediatrician. Kids tend to get sick. Moms tend to worry.
We go to all the well visits and call at the first sign of fever or rash, get the childhood vaccinations, and express concern at reaching all the milestones. Is there anything else we parents can do for the wellness of our children?
Our guest today—it blows our minds!—is someone we’ve known since her own childhood, Dr. Marilyn Jackson. She’s a doctor of chiropractic and has joined us to talk about the benefits of kids seeing a chiropractor. She and her fiancé Wyatt have just opened a new practice here in Middle TN (Mboro) called Milestone Family Chiropractic, and altho they see the whole family, they’re specializing in prenatal, pregnancy, and pediatric issues. Welcome…
Definition of chiropractor:
A chiropractor is a primary care doctor that focuses on the spine and other joints in the body, but most importantly the nervous system! Originally chiropractors were viewed as “bone doctors” but we really are nervous system specialists!
The word chiropractic actually means “done by hand,” meaning that we work WITH the body to aid in healing, instead of prescribing outside pharmaceuticals or procedures to “fix” the body.
Altho the practice of chiropractic has been around (in the US) since before the 1900’s- first adjustment was 1895-, it didn’t gain real traction/acceptance until maybe the 80’s. Historically, official medical associations have demonstrated resentment to other modes of treating the ill. When you sometimes hear of animosity between the camps, it’s usually because of a perceived turf war.
Thomas Edison has a great quote from the early 1900’s that says “Thomas Edison said that “The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” I love this and think it is highly relatable to chiropractic because that’s truly what our specialty is- addressing the “human frame”-or the spine and the intelligence housed within it-, in diet (or the energy/ingredients that fuel our system), and in the cause and prevention (not treatment) of disease!
Secondarily, Medical Doctors typically don’t understand what Chiropractors do, as they were not trained in spinal manipulation techniques. More and more, you’ll see D.O.’s working alongside MDs in medical offices/hospitals, and no one thinks anything of it. They have the same training as MDs (4 yrs of med school, residencies, etc., ) with the addition of some of the chiropractic/manipulation techniques that chiropractors use. the difference between DO’s and DC’s (chiropractors) is that their program focuses more on disease treatment or pain resolution, instead of prevention. Our training is much less reactionary in nature, and takes into account the human physiology and what its potential is/can be.
**also the “manipulations” taught to PT’s and DO’s are long axis distractions, meaning they are non-specific. Chiropractic is all about being as precise as possible, applying a force to 1 segment instead of a region.**
MJ: What kind of specific training do chiropractors (did you) receive? How much school? What sort of extra certifications/training for pediatrics, pregnancy in particular? Did you yourself see chiropractors on the regular? (your parents are both in medical field)
Courses include:
- Anatomy & physiology
- Biochemistry/Chemistry
- Diagnosis
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Pathology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
- Obstetrics/Urology
- Orthopedics
- Case Management/Business
- Adjusting Techniques- 5 required*
- Nutrition
- Physiotherapy
- Advanced Diagnosis from x-ray/MRI/CT
- Fertility & fetal development*
- A year of clinical experience in established offices
- 5 national board exams passed (NBCE) before graduation
- Extra training for pediatrics & pregnancy:
Webster Technique- 30 hours
Perinatal Certification from ICPA: 10 seminars, 100 hours.
Doula Certification: ~85 hours
Pediatric Training: ~150 hours, 15 seminars
I received chiropractic care occasionally as a child (maybe monthly), but mostly for structural ailments- scoliosis, injuries during gymnastics.
Renee/Bonnie: did we ever go the chiropractor as kids? Did we take our own kids? How about now? (animal route)
Most parents are (for the most part) comfortable taking our kids to the pediatrician, giving our kids the meds prescribed for an earache, etc., trusting their expertise in general. We don’t question the OTC medicines we give them for teething, colds, coughs, etc. It’s not unheard of to give your kid a dose of Benadryl to make them sleepy on a flight or long car ride!
Do these medications work for every child?? More and more parents are struggling with recurring ear infections, colic that lasts months, “allergies” popping up throughout their child’s life. Lots of moms are looking for alternative care that looks at their child as a full picture, and less like a list of symptoms.
Pediatric medicine definitely has its place, we offer another solution if that isn’t working to treat the root issues.
What would you say to parents who give chiropractors the side-eye?
Our bodies have an amazing intelligence about them- we don’t need to instruct the body to heal injuries, to digest food, or to grow! So why do we rely on outside sources to treat sickness?
The nervous system is very complex, and it regulates our body’s reactions to our environment. Trauma, stress, and toxins can cause interference in that nervous system and that’s what chiropractic is assessing and correcting. Our jobs are to free this interference so that the body can get back to its job of healing itself.
Chiro deals with the CNS (central nervous system). The CNS is the “master controller” of the body, and if communication channels are unclear, you can experience “errors.” Like your WiFi going out.
The focus isn’t treating ailments like typical pediatricians would. *It’s treat the root cause, not the symptom. Focus is insuring the CNS has every chance to work efficiently. And a BYPRODUCT of this is that, in many cases!!—the following common issues can decrease or be resolved entirely:
Colic/irritability/GERD/reflux
Inability to latch properly when breastfeeding/inability to feed on both sides equally
Night terrors/ trouble sleeping/bedwetting
Digestion issues
Asthma
Headaches/earaches
Behavior/low concentration (can improve focus, reduce hyperactivity: ADHD by releasing tension)
Constipation/vomiting/IBS/leaky gut
Stimulate neural brain development by releasing pressure on bones/joints- more likely reduce pain from improper alignment of joints/bones applying pressure on nerves
How would little kids get tension in their bones/joints?
Less about their skeletal structure, & more about stress to the nervous system. When their nervous systems have trouble perceiving the world around them, processing information, and responding to it, that’s when we start seeing issues in all organ systems.
Thru physical, chemical, emotional stressors or insults (just like adults!! We can relate!)
Bad posture, knocks/falls, anxiety
In utero: awkward positioning, movement restriction, birth complications
What is “birth trauma?” (as our awareness of all sorts of trauma & its effects grows, I’m hearing this term tossed around. Is it really that bad? Haven’t women been having babies since the beginning of babies??)
Birth trauma: Yes it is that serious!! Birth is being treated as a pathology in our country.
Women have had the ability to give birth safely & without intervention for centuries. But our current system has employed several “interventions” that yes, can be life saving when used appropriately, but are now being used on low-risk pregnancies for convenience/ to save time. Forces like forceps, vacuum extraction, manual membrane stripping/water breaks, Pitocin, excess force on the baby’s brain stem when removing during c-section- all of these cause stress to the mother or DIRECTLY to the baby’s nervous system. Even the most perfect, risk free vaginal birth can cause trauma to the baby’s nervous system just based on force of contractions & positioning in the birth canal. That’s why chiropractic care should be essential after birth!
Luckily for them, their bodies are still growing- they have been exposed to stressors in mom’s life since the first trimester when the nervous system started developing. This includes chemical exposure, diet, emotional/relational stress, fertility stress, etc. Sometimes birth is just another part of a long list!
They’re not “set” until full skeletal ossification at 25 years old.
Will it hurt? Is it safe?
When we think of chiropractic, we often think of “all that cracking.” It’s alarming! The cracking sounds during an adjustment is the gas released from the joint capsule- not dangerous when performed correctly. There are several techniques that do not result in these noises and they are scientifically proven to yield results as well.
What sort of pressure do you use for babies and children? Before children are weight-bearing, all adjustment force is very gentle from the fingertips. The pressure you’d use to check if a tomato was ripe is all you need to free a segment from restriction (another reason why babies should be checked after birth because their skeletal systems are so maneuverable)
Other things besides actual manipulation that can be done: massage, at-home exercises, assessment & advice. Treatment is modified for smaller frames and gentle touch is used.
Do you have any case examples you can point to/describe where chiropractic made a big or quick difference?
Eb’s Palsy case -muscle weakness in arm/shoulder from birth/ Brachial Plexus injury. Results in asymmetrical weakness in right arm, parents worried he would never regain that ability to write/throw a ball/ etc. 1 year of nervous system specific chiropractic care helped him regain strength and muscle on the right side. Full resolution of symptoms and a healthy, thriving kid now!
6 year old with history of chronic ear infections, sickness, colds. Round after round of antibiotics weren’t cutting it, and leading to new struggles. After finding chiropractic care, he’s sick a lot less, no longer on high dose antibiotics- hasn’t had an ear infection since he started care 6 months ago!
Story of a mom with a 2 wk old who could only turn his head to one side.
Pediatric chiropractors like you & your practice see parents a lot of time seeking help after an injury (collision at soccer, a fall off the monkeybars—or cheerleading!).
Torticollis—tight neck muscle that over contracts—can lead to issues with nursing. This was mentioned by our OT/PT guests.
Newborn struggled to nurse on right side- discomfort in her neck, & losing weight; turns out torticollis from a rough c-section delivery & her spine was misaligned. After frequent care, she now surpassed her birth weight, has no problem latching on both sides, and can nurse like a champ!
How does a busy parent wade through all the noise (conflicting info)? How would you suggest a family or expecting mom go about finding a clinic? (interview, credentials? Recommendations?). An excellent resource for finding a provider who are Webster certified is www.icpa4kids.com.
Depending on their needs/goals, search for a doc that specializes in that-
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant? Webster technique certified & prenatal experience/fertility support *Also look for doc who has preferred providers- doula, midwife, IBCLC, pelvic floor PT
Objective data to track progress- we used CLA Insight scans/ x-rays/bloodwork/etc.
Kids care? nervous system focused for sure, not rehab/PT based.
PREGNANCY—PRENATAL
A woman goes through tremendous physical and emotional changes during the various stages of pregnancy. Several pregnant women suffer lower back, hip, and other body aches and pains due to increased stress on muscles and nerves, making the whole process discomforting and challenging. Chiropractic care has emerged as essential perinatal care as the body nurtures and creates life. A well-functioning nervous system can adapt to stress and changes easier- hormones, posture, etc.
It reduces nerve stress and adjusts pelvis and spinal misalignment to promote both emotional and physical well-being.
Why might you go to a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Reduce lower back and hip pain
More than 60% of women experience lower back pain as the increasing belly size leads to posture change that puts pressure on the spine, back joints, and muscles. Regular chiropractic care corrects the spine misalignment, lowers the muscle tension to ease the burden that causes pain, and improves posture. The chiropractor focuses on treating the root cause of the issue, preventing the need for any pain-relieving medication.
Ease common pregnancy symptoms
Morning sickness, acid reflux, insomnia, and swelling in the feet and hands are common symptoms some pregnant women experience. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve pressure from different regions like the spine, neck, and mid-back to improve sleep, minimize acid reflux, and enhance nerve communication.
Promote proper pelvic alignment and stability
Pelvic misalignment is not uncommon during pregnancy as the baby grows in size. It makes it difficult for the baby to engage when in labor. Chiropractic care re-establishes the balance and promotes stability throughout the pregnancy.
Improve fetal positioning
Chiropractors use special techniques and adjustments, especially during the last stage of pregnancy, to give babies optimal space and placement.
Shorten labor duration and delivery pain
Regular chiropractic care can help achieve desired birth outcomes for the mother! Pregnant moms under chiropractic care have on average a 31% shorter labor and delivery for consecutive deliveries. Chiropractic care has also decreased the need for medical intervention during l&d- priming the body for and maintaining its structural integrity can improve efficiency of labor.
Longer labor hours and intense pain are a nightmare for pregnant women. Proper pelvic alignment and appropriate baby position through regular chiropractic care decrease labor time and alleviate the delivery aches. It also reduces the possibility of cesarean delivery by resolving musculoskeletal issues.
Postpartum chiropractic care promotes faster physical recovery and helps the body regain its original shape quickly.