The benefits of chiropractic for adults is well established – almost 20 million men, women, and children visit licensed chiropractors annually as part of their health, wellness, and pain management regimens.

But now an entirely new and potentially unlikely group is experiencing the drug-free benefits of chiropractic: infants and young children. And Dr. Seth LaFlamme, founder and owner of South Berwick-based Great Works Chiropractic, has been strongly advocating for infant chiropractic care for several years. “Our birth rituals are often unnatural and cause harm,” noted Dr. LaFlamme. “It’s very important to get an infant checked, as injuries are common during delivery.”

Newborns can benefit immensely from chiropractic adjustments. The birth process, complicated by a constricted uterus, a breech presentation, or a difficult delivery, can result in unintended spine or nerve damage to a vulnerable infant. For example, a study of 1000 babies found that of the 17% suffering from vomiting, hyperactivity, and sleeplessness shortly after birth, 95% showed signs of spinal injury and dysfunction.

Fortunately, chiropractic treatment for these maladies was found in the study to demonstrate success rates that “overshadow every other type (of care).” And the benefits extend beyond the child’s newborn stage: chiropractic care has been shown to assist breast feeding, nervousness, sleep disorders, colic, and even ear, nose, and throat infections.

That’s because during the birthing process, a newborn’s neck vertebrae can become misaligned, and affect the Eustachian tube. This may lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing recurring ear infections. However, a study in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics found that 90% of children who received chiropractic adjustments did not experience another ear infection within six months of their initial visit – a success rate that’s music to the ears of parents struggling with their kids’ chronic ear infections. “While no medical condition is specifically treated by chiropractic care, it’s been shown to benefit the immune system, because of the close relationship between the human nervous system and the immune system,” Dr. LaFlamme explains.

“The modern birthing process creates a lot of upper cervical problems that throw the body out of balance, including problems of tissue resistance that hampers the body’s ability to flush out bacteria properly,” said Dr. LaFlamme. “When our nervous system is in balance, ear infections tend to clear up.”

As a result, Dr. LaFlamme estimates that one third of his patients are now infants and children. As a parent of three kids himself, he genuinely enjoys caring for children, and helping their bodies heal through chiropractic care. “And it’s particularly encouraging that I’m seeing more parents bring their kids in to see me prior to seeking conventional medical care.”

He’s quick to point out that while chiropractic care is important for all children, it’s urgent for newborns that have undergone a difficult birth, such as infants who have been “pulled on” by obstetricians/gynecologists, or who needed the use of forceps during delivery, which often results in unintended muscle strains. “If your child can’t latch on during breastfeeding, or can’t feed on one side, or if your child is dragging one leg when crawling, that’s a sign that your baby has a strain that isn’t resolving itself, and needs to be examined as soon as possible,” LaFlamme cautioned. “Even infants born via caesarian section should come in for evaluations, as these newborns miss the usual cranial molding process. And it’s always easier to treat problems as early as possible.”

He’s also quick to point out that the benefits of chiropractic care extend to emotional, as well as physical wellness. The Journal of Chiropractic Research observed that children under chiropractic care saw improvements in treating hyperactivity, autism, anxiety, lack of concentration, and discipline problems, as well as a reported increase in grades and IQ. “When our sympathetic nervous system, which regulates how our body works, is overstimulated, it’s bad for mental and emotional health,” said LaFlamme. “Healing the sympathetic nervous system helps address imbalances, and has a calming effect that fosters better mood and focus.”

LaFlamme’s emphasis on the body’s healing processes is part of his broader philosophy on health and wellness, which focuses on more than just neck and back pain: he’s quick to point out that our bodies are inherently regenerative, and staying in tune with one’s “rhythms” is crucial to staying healthy and productive.

It’s that focus on total-body, drug-free wellness that factored into LaFlamme’s decision to have Great Works Chiropractic join the Green Alliance, an organization that connects eco-conscious communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts with local green businesses. “I like the idea of being part of a community of residents and businesses that incorporate sustainability into their personal and professional lives,” LaFlamme commented. Green Alliance members receive complimentary consultations and examinations at Great Works Chiropractic, as well as discounts at 95 other green businesses across the region.

Now firmly part of the South Berwick business community after relocating from Stratham in 2011, LaFlamme is looking forward to a banner 2012, while helping residents achieve their full potential – regardless of age. “Chiropractic is largely about encouraging our own bodies to heal, and there’s no reason that healing process shouldn’t start immediately.”

Great Works Chiropractic: www.greatworkschiro.com
Green Alliance: www.greenalliance.biz