January 2003
Communicating chiropractic safety
by Drs. Stuart and Theresa Warner
In the many years we have worked with children and families,
parents occasionally express concerns over the safety of adjustments for
babies. It is important to defuse any misconceptions they may have, so
their babies can receive all of the benefits chiropractic offers.
You must relate to parents the fact that not only are
adjustments extremely safe, they are also much safer for babies than
adults. Chiropractors who care for children have special training in that
care, and understand the considerations and needs that children have.
Babies are more flexible and pliable and can adapt the force of the
adjustment much easier that an elderly person whose spine may be more
rigid.
Once you effectively communicate this, any anxiety the
parents have about safety will be alleviated.
The following are just a few of the most important points we
make when discussing babies and their adjustments.
We begin by telling parents that if a baby is born, it can
get adjusted. We reassure them that chiropractic is extremely safe for
children, babies and especially newborns. We mention we have never seen a
study published anywhere, encompassing the entire 107 years of
chiropractic, that ever reported harm to a newborn, baby or young child as
a result of a chiropractic adjustment.
In addition, we invite parents to take a look at malpractice
insurance -- the Gold Standard. Chiropractors pay a fraction of what
medical doctors pay, because what we do is extremely safe. Yet, thousands
of children die every month due to the effects of drugs, vaccinations and
surgeries.
We teach parents that the average birth process subjects a
newborn's neck to an average of 40 pounds of traction or torsion. A more
difficult birth requiring forceps, a vacuum extraction, or c-section can
increase the intensity up to 100 pounds of pull pressure. Conversely, a
chiropractic adjustment requires just a few ounces to a couple of pounds
of carefully directed pressure, in the proper direction, at just the right
time, to remove an interference in the spine.
One good way to demonstrate to parents the amount of force
used with a pediatric adjustment is to let them feel it. Use your hand and
show them (on the parent's shoulder) the amount of force applied, and this
will put them at ease. Also, you can have them put their finger on their
eyelid until they feel some pressure so they can see how light the force
is. Of course, the amount of force used is determined by the technique
that you use.
We tell parents that research has shown 80% of children are
born with vertebral subluxation. Every newborn, without question, needs a
spinal check by a doctor of chiropractic to receive an evaluation for
stress, injury or damage done -- due to either an improper position
inutero or trauma during the birth process.
We add that regular spinal evaluations and adjustments must
continue throughout childhood as well. A healthy spine equals a healthy
nervous system. A healthy nervous system means quicker recovery from
inevitable childhood health concerns, and a stronger immune system.
These examples will make it easier for you to communicate to
parents the safety of chiropractic care for their children and help you
care for more of them. Remember, it's essential for all newborns be
evaluated for vertebral subluxation as close to the birth as possible to
correct any nervous system interference as soon as it starts. That way,
parents can rest assured their children receive enormous benefits from
chiropractic adjustments, ensuring optimal nervous system function,
health, and well‑being for years to come.
(Drs. Stuart and Theresa Warner, whose
New Jersey
practice is comprised
of 70% young children and pregnant women, have brought chiropractic
pediatrics to the forefront of the profession. Their company, Future
Perfect -- with publishing, consulting, product and seminar divisions --
presents around 100 pediatric programs yearly, including the certification
program. The Warners are founders of "Kids Day
America
," the World
Children's Wellness Foundation, and the Children's Wellness Newsletter.
Direct e-mail comments or questions to: DrsWarner@chiropediatrics.com, or
call 732/295‑5437.)
