Chiropractic Care for Acid Reflux in Infants
New parents go through a lot of stress, a lack of sleep, and constant panic over whether or not they are doing the right thing. Caring for an infant can be a very stressful task, especially the first time. You may constantly second guess everything you do or panic at the slightest change in your child’s behavior. For example, if you have never been around newborns, you may be aware of how often they spit up. This is usually a pretty normal part of their development, but if you are concerned about your child or their development then the doctors at RxWellness Herndon may be able to help. We can talk to you about chiropractic care for acid reflux in infants, and help you find the best solution for your baby.
What is Acid Reflux in Infants
Acid reflux is when the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus, causing the baby to vomit or spit up whatever food they just consumed. In infants younger than 18 months, acid reflux is to be expected and can even be considered normal, so long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, refusal to eat food, or blood in the vomit stool. Oftentimes, acid reflux in infants can be triggered or made worse by things out of anyone’s control.
Acid Reflux in Infants and When to be Concerned
Acid reflux in infants is very common, and so long as it is not the result of a deeper more serious condition, will usually resolve on its own. Infants tend to spit up often, so there does not need to be any cause for concern unless the vomiting is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Avoiding food
- Blood in the vomit
- Blood in the stool
- Spit-up is green or yellow
- Spit-up begins at 6 months of age
If your infant is experiencing any of the above symptoms, then it is highly recommended that you take them to see a qualified chiropractor. A more serious condition that goes beyond normal splitting-up is called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This is a more complicated problem because it goes beyond normal development and can usually be the result of a more complicated condition. GERD is often accompanied by other symptoms such as failure to thrive or losing weight at a rapid pace. It is often the result of a more complicated medical problem like an allergic reaction or a blockage in the digestive tract. If your child is vomiting excessively after a meal or you notice that they are avoiding food in general, then it is highly recommended that you bring them in for a visit with the chiropractors at RxWellness Herndon.
Possible Causes of Acid Reflux
In infants, the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, is not fully matured so it has a hard time remaining closed. This muscle will not be fully functional until about 10 months of age. When the muscle opens, it causes the contents of the stomach to move back into the esophagus and out the mouth. As the child ages, the muscle strengthens and vomiting becomes less frequent.
Food allergies may also be a culprit behind acid reflux in infants. If you notice your infant is spitting up too often, then you may need to pay attention to their formula to see how they do better with different types of milk. Trying to find the right formula for your child can take a while, and it is often a process of trial and error. Oftentimes, infants that drink a lot of cow milk have a harder time with digestion.
Misaligned vertebrae can also contribute to acid reflux in infants. This can occur after a difficult delivery, where the mother had to push for a long time or if forceps or a vacuum were used. An infant’s sleeping position can also contribute to their spinal misalignment.
How Chiropractic Care Can Reduce Symptoms of Acid Reflux
If the cause of acid reflux is the result of misalignment, then the chiropractor may need to work with your child to correct the misalignment throughout a few treatment sessions. The treatment sessions would consist of adjustments to very specific areas of the spine.
In the unlikely event that your infant is not suffering from any serious form of acid reflux or GERDS, working with a chiropractor can still be very beneficial for them. For example, the birthing process can be a very stressful experience for the mother, however, the process can be just as stressful for the baby. Having your child work with a chiropractor can improve their sleep, brain, and nerve development, as just their overall health and wellness.
Acid Reflux and Chiropractic Care at RxWellness
At RxWellness Spine & Health Herndon location in Virginia, we will work closely with you and your infant to uncover the root cause of the condition and determine if there is even any cause for concern. The doctors will complete a full chiropractic exam on the baby and ask any questions that will help uncover the root cause of the problem, make a diagnosis, and then create a treatment session.
At RxWellness Spine & Health, we strive to provide quality customized care for all our patients and will do everything possible to ensure that your child is taken care of. When you and your baby come in for the first visit, you can relax knowing we will treat you like we treat family.
Contact RxWellness Spine & Health
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why your child may be having acid reflux and a better idea of what you can do to help. Being a parent is not an easy task, so the RxWellness Herndon chiropractors and their team are here to help take some of the burdens off you. If you are still unsure of the effects chiropractic care can have on acid reflux in Infants or if you have any other questions, or want to book a consultation, give our RxWellness Herndon office a call at 1+(703) 904 9666 or book an appointment online.