One of the greatest joys of my job as a chiropractor here in Southwest Florida, is when a parent brings in their newborn for an evaluation. It’s a moment filled with trust and hope, and I don’t take it lightly. I still vividly remember the first time a parent handed me their three-day-old baby to check, fresh from the hospital. I was an intern back then, and, to be honest, I was sweating bullets. I tried to act calm, but inside, I was a bundle of nerves. Thankfully, the adjustment was gentle and seamless, and it was an incredible feeling knowing I’d helped give that tiny life a healthy start.
You might be wondering, why would a three-day-old need chiropractic care? Well, think about the process of childbirth. Even in the smoothest deliveries, the baby’s head and neck endure a lot of pressure. Add in interventions like forceps, suction, or C-sections, and the strain on their delicate spine can increase significantly.
Newborns don’t have developed neck muscles to stabilize their heads. In the womb’s weightless environment, strength isn’t necessary. But during and after birth, the ligaments supporting the upper neck can face tremendous stress. It’s surprisingly easy for the top vertebrae to misalign during delivery—and it’s far more common than many people realize. In fact, a German study found that 80% of newborns had some degree of misalignment in the upper cervical spine. Based on my several decades of experience, I’d say that statistic holds true.
An upper cervical misalignment in infants can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to function properly, potentially leading to a range of issues, including:
- Colic
- Digestive problems
- Ear infections
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty breastfeeding (like trouble latching)
- Skin irritations
- Sleep disturbances
When I gently correct these misalignments, I often see immediate improvements. It’s amazing to witness a fussy, uncomfortable baby become calm and more at ease—and their parents’ relief is just as rewarding.
I understand that parents are often nervous about the idea of a chiropractic adjustment for their baby. They picture twisting or cracking, but let me assure you, that’s not what happens with upper cervical chiropractic.
The top vertebra in an adult weighs about two ounces. In a newborn, it’s even smaller and more delicate. Babies’ joints are soft and flexible, making adjustments incredibly gentle. All it takes is a light touch behind the ear—no twisting, no cracking, and nothing scary at all.
Not every baby has a cervical misalignment due to birthing, but with an 80% likelihood, it’s worth having your newborn evaluated. The upper cervical correction is simple, but the benefits can be life-changing for your baby—and for you. Sleepless nights and constant stress over an uncomfortable infant don’t have to be your reality.
If your baby is dealing with colic, feeding difficulties, or other challenges, let me help. We offer a free evaluation to determine if their upper cervical spine is aligned and functioning properly. Call us today at Upper Cervical Health Centers of Fort Myers for your free consultation: 239-243-8810.
