Why It’s Important to Check Newborn Babies for Subluxations
At Dr. Noah Banks’ chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we often see parents who are surprised to learn how early spinal care can make a difference in their child’s development. Let’s explore why subluxations can occur in newborns, what the research says, and how chiropractic care may support your baby’s growth.
Birth and the Baby’s Spine:
Birth is a natural process, but it can also be physically demanding for both mother and child. The pressure exerted on an infant’s neck and spine during delivery is significant, whether the birth is vaginal or via cesarean section. According to research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, mechanical forces during birth—especially with interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction—can place stress on the newborn’s delicate spine and nervous system.
Even in uncomplicated births, the process of twisting, turning, and compressing through the birth canal can sometimes result in misalignments or restricted movement in the cervical spine (neck). These subluxations may not always be visible to parents but could manifest in subtle ways, such as difficulty nursing, irritability, or uneven movement patterns.
What Are Subluxations?
A subluxation occurs when a spinal joint loses its normal alignment or movement, potentially affecting how nerves function in that area. In adults, this may cause pain, stiffness, or other symptoms. In babies, the signs are usually less obvious, but because their nervous system is still developing, the effects may influence feeding, digestion, sleep, or overall comfort.
Chiropractic care focuses on detecting and gently correcting these subluxations, helping restore balance and proper function to the nervous system.
Why Check Newborns Early?
The nervous system is the master controller of growth and development. From the very first days, it regulates how babies eat, sleep, digest, and interact with the world. When spinal misalignments interfere with nerve communication, even slightly, it can disrupt these functions.
Some parents seek chiropractic care for babies who show signs such as:
Difficulty latching or favoring one breast while feeding
Colic or excessive fussiness
Reflux or digestive issues
Limited range of head motion (such as always looking one way)
Trouble sleeping or restlessness
While chiropractic care is not a treatment for specific conditions, supporting proper spinal alignment allows the body to function more efficiently—sometimes leading to improvements in these common concerns.
What the Research Says:
Research into pediatric chiropractic is growing. A 2016 review in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice highlighted positive outcomes in infants receiving chiropractic adjustments, particularly for issues related to breastfeeding and comfort. Another study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that gentle spinal adjustments in infants were safe and well tolerated when performed by trained pediatric chiropractors.
Additionally, surveys of parents have shown high satisfaction rates with pediatric chiropractic care, often reporting improvements in sleep, behavior, feeding, and overall well-being after their child’s visits.
Gentle, Safe, and Specific:
One of the most common questions parents ask is: Is chiropractic care safe for newborns? The answer is yes, when performed by a chiropractor trained in pediatric care. Adjustments for babies look very different than those for adults.
Rather than quick movements or strong pressure, infant adjustments involve gentle, sustained contact using the same amount of pressure you might use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Babies often relax during care, and many even fall asleep in the chiropractor’s arms.
A Lifelong Foundation:
Starting chiropractic care early is about more than addressing short-term discomfort—it’s about laying the foundation for healthy development. The first year of life is when babies grow and change most rapidly. Their spines double in length, and critical motor milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking put new demands on the musculoskeletal system. Ensuring the spine is well aligned during these stages may support smoother development and fewer complications later in life.
Chiropractic Care for Families in Bentonville:
At our Bentonville office, we welcome families who want to be proactive about their children’s health. Whether you’re a new parent curious about spinal health or you’ve noticed challenges with feeding, digestion, or sleep, a chiropractic check for subluxations can be a gentle first step toward supporting your baby’s growth.
We believe that every child deserves the best start possible. Chiropractic care is not about “fixing” your child—it’s about creating the conditions for their body to thrive naturally.
Interested in having your newborn checked for subluxations?
Schedule a visit with Dr. Noah Banks today and learn how gentle, specific chiropractic care can support your baby’s comfort, growth, and development from the very beginning.
