Pediatric Chiropractic

Perinatal chiropractic care can help provide a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy for both mom and baby. Over the course of pregnancy, expectant mothers’ added stress to the spine create spinal misalignments and/or postural challenges, which in turn affect nerves, muscles, and mobility of joints. Spinal misalignments (also known as subluxations) and posture challenges can lead to symptoms such as heart burn, headaches, pubic pain, low back pain, sinus congestion, rib pain and more. These symptoms are due to the nervous system’s direct relationship to spinal misalignments and posture challenges. Many women report relief of these symptoms while under perinatal chiropractic care. Happier and healthier moms = healthier and happier babies.

Along with relieving symptoms of discomfort, chiropractic care can balance the pelvis to provide an optimal environment for baby. Babies like to move A LOT, and a misaligned pelvis will restrict the space available for your developing baby and obstruct their normal movements. Pelvic misalignment also makes it difficult for your baby to move into the best position to be born, which is rear-facing with their head down. A balanced pelvis may increase the chances of your baby moving into an optimal birth position, leading to quicker and easier delivery.  In one study, women receiving chiropractic care from a trained perinatal chiropractor through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving perinatal chiropractic care.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic pelvic analysis and diversified adjustment, primarily for pregnant women. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved. Dr. Mace is a member of the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) and the only Webster-certified Chiropractor in Solon, Ohio.

Often times excessive traction is applied to the baby’s head and neck during the birthing process, creating spinal cord injuries. Studies show 99% of seemingly healthy babies are born with at least one somatic dysfunction (subluxation) 5 hours after birth. These subluxations effect the nervous system and development of your baby. Many subluxations don’t create symptoms until later in life, but some symptoms of subluxations in babies can include colic, constipation, ear infections and challenges latching. The longer labor time mothers experience, the more subluxations research has shown babies to present with. Chiropractic has been shown to aid in quicker and easier labor for mom. No matter what your labor and pregnancy looked like, chiropractic can ensure your baby’s nervous system develops optimally. Start healthy, stay healthy.

Colic, digestive issues, immune system problems and recurrent ear infections are just a few of the “popular” conditions chiropractic has been known to help with in newborns. I always like to say “start healthy, stay healthy” and encourage families to have babies who present with no known “conditions” checked to ensure an optimal functioning nervous system for optimal development.

The American Pregnancy Association has found that there are no reasons to avoid chiropractic care during pregnancy, provided you work with a Chiropractor trained in perinatal techniques. Perinatal chiropractic is very gentle and safe for both moms and babies. During pregnancy, relaxin is present in moms body, meaning a gentle adjustment is not just effective, but optimal. Make sure you are receiving chiropractic care from a qualified and experienced Chiropractor who has the additional training and proper equipment to work with pregnant women. Dr. Mace is certified and utilizes the Webster Technique, which is specifically designed for the pregnant woman.

You’re never too young or too old to see a Chiropractor. Dr. Mace provides both gentle and specific adjustments that are safe for all ages. Different techniques, such as instrument and drop adjustments can be utilized for patients who require or prefer more gentle adjustments. Chiropractic can’t reverse osteoarthritis, but it will promote movement in the joints, which may prevent the progression and production of degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis.

Yes, chiropractic care has been known to help with back pain, neck pain, etc., but chiropractic was not designed as a method of managing pain solely, but also as a way to prevent injury and illness and to optimize your body’s overall function and well-being. We welcome and encourage patients to see us before your body is in pain.

Yes, you do not need a referral to see a Chiropractor

Every situation is unique, but yes, it's generally okay to get chiropractic adjustments after back surgery. Dr. Mace will carefully review your medical and surgery history, including imaging reports, to determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care. Surgery often weakens the surrounding joints and muscles due to the body’s overcompensation post-surgery. Chiropractic care can tackle these issues without disturbing the area you received surgical intervention.

Many people believe Chiropractors “crack” people, this is not the case. Corrective Chiropractors perform specific adjustments to removed subluxations. The goal of an adjustment is to restore proper biomechanics to a joint by moving the bone out of malposition and into proper alignment. Often times during a manual adjustment, or adjustment done by hand, patients will hear a “pop” or “crack”, this is simply gas leaving the joint and has little significance. Patients that fear the possibility of an adjustment making a cracking noise are free to verbalize this, as Dr. Mace can use other techniques to move the bone that don’t risk making the “cracking” noises.