Your Baby and Their Spine

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible for your baby’s spine to become misaligned during the birthing process, the answer is that it is. That spinal misalignment can happen for many reasons, but the modern technique of the mother pushing, while lying flat on her back, and possible the doctor pulling, can and will have a lasting impact the health of your baby’s spine.

Some of the more extreme methods used during the birthing process, which often extract a child from the womb before he or she is ready will frequently injure their spine including:

  • Forceps Birth
  • Vacuum Extraction
  • C – Section

Your Baby’s Pain

So, that initial crying, or even any crying during their early stages of life, may not only be due to them being tired or wanting their bottle. It may also be because they have no other way to express their pain and discomfort. Forceps birth and vacuum extraction both pull the baby out of the birthing canal using 50 – 70 lbs of force, and a C – Section involves pulling the baby out of a small incision. All of that force will frequently impact the health of your baby’s growing spine and developing brain and spinal cord.

Now, to make matters worse, many times mothers will want to find relief for themselves during the birthing process by seeking out drugs such as an epidural to numb the pain when pushing or Pitocin to induce labor. Wanting to find relief during such a painful time is understandable. But it’s important to remember that the further away from a natural birth you choose the more unnecessary stress and trauma your baby is likely to suffer from.

Reducing the Risks

Now, that you know the risks, there is no reason to panic. Misalignments of a baby’s upper cervical spine during the birthing process do not happen in all babies.

Though, it is important that you have your baby checked for any spinal misalignments, especially if you gave birth using one of the three methods we mentioned. Spinal misalignments in newborns has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Colic, Acid Reflux, ear infections, and various neurological conditions that result from brainstem dysfunction and other symptoms.

Next week’s we’ll focus on signs you will want to watch for, to see if upper cervical might be right for them.

To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, just click the button below:

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our patient success stories.

Dr. Armen Manoucherian of Health Edge Family Spinal Care in Glendale, California is a Glendale Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). He has helped many children and adults find natural relief in Glendale, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Burbank. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at https://www.healthedgela.com