Services
Baby, Children & Families
Chiropractic Family Care for Newborns, Toddlers & Children
At Family Life Chiropractic, we are dedicated to offering expert chiropractic care tailored specifically for newborns, toddlers, and children in Newcastle. Our experienced team ensures gentle and effective treatments to support your child's health and development from the very start.
We deeply value the importance of maintaining a healthy, well-aligned spine throughout all stages of life. Our team understands that decisions regarding your family’s health care are both significant and personal. We are dedicated to addressing your questions and concerns with the utmost seriousness and respect, ensuring your peace of mind throughout your care journey. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to providing care that aligns with your values and supports your health goals.
Our Gentle, Caring & Supportive Approach
Just as each member of your family is unique in personality, so too is their spine and nervous system. At Family Life Chiropractic, we recognize that every individual requires a personalized approach to care, and we are committed to treating each family member with the utmost consideration and respect.
Safety is our top priority. We ensure that every aspect of your child’s chiropractic visit is thoroughly explained to you beforehand, providing you with complete clarity and understanding. This includes discussing the techniques we use, the expected outcomes, and any potential concerns you might have. We believe that inclusive parental consent is crucial to effective care, and we actively involve you in every step of the decision-making process. Your comfort and confidence in the care we provide are essential to us.
With over 18 years of experience in assessing and providing care for spines across all ages, you can trust that your family is in capable hands. Our approach is designed to meet each person’s specific needs. Whether you are seeking chiropractic care for your baby, child, or any family member, our treatments are customised to their stage of development and health condition.
In addressing optimal nervous system and musculoskeletal function, we employ gentle stretches, movements, and exercises tailored to facilitate natural movement and promote healing.
Our commitment extends beyond just providing care; it includes fostering a supportive and transparent environment where you feel informed and empowered. By prioritizing safety and comprehensive explanations, we aim to deliver chiropractic care that supports your family’s well-being and enhances their quality of life.
Newcastle Baby Chiropractor
Chiropractic care plays an important role in supporting your baby’s body to function optimally, with a particular focus on the spine and nervous system. The nervous system is the first system to develop in utero and continues to direct all aspects of your child’s growth, development, and bodily functions throughout their life.
The birth process, while a natural and significant event, is physically demanding for both mother and baby. A baby’s spine, especially the neck, can be subjected to substantial pressure and twisting during birth, which may contribute to a range of musculoskeletal issues.
Reassurance Through Gentle Care
At Family Life Chiropractic, we are dedicated to providing every baby with gentle, meticulous care to support their spine’s health and development. Our approach emphasizes safe and appropriate techniques to promote optimal spinal alignment, crucial for healthy growth.
Parents often find reassurance in knowing that the pressure applied during a chiropractic adjustment for a baby is as gentle as checking the ripeness of an avocado. We utilize gentle, non-invasive massage techniques, combined with slow mobilization and stretching, to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Our goal is to offer peace of mind by addressing any concerns you may have about your baby’s spinal health with sensitivity and expertise. We strive to lay a strong foundation for their future well-being, supporting their growth and development with the utmost care.
How Do I Know if my Baby Needs to See a Chiropractor?
There are several signs to watch for that may indicate a need for chiropractic care.
- Feeding Preference: Your baby consistently prefers to feed on one side more than the other.
- Tummy Time Discomfort: Your baby seems uncomfortable or distressed during tummy time.
- Developmental Delays: Your baby appears to be delayed in reaching key developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking.
- Flat Spot on the Head: You notice a flat spot developing on the back of their head.
- Head Tilt: Your baby constantly tilts their head to one side.
- Discomfort with Clothing or Car Seat: Your baby experiences discomfort when changing clothes or seems uneasy in their car seat.
If you observe any of these signs, it may be beneficial to consult a chiropractor to ensure your baby’s spine and nervous system are developing optimally.
What are Normal Baby Spine Curves
Newborns are born with a single, smooth C-shaped curve in their spine. This curve, developed in utero, is designed to aid digestion, optimize oxygen intake, and minimize pressure on the hips and spine. As your baby grows, their spine will gradually develop the additional curves seen in an adult spine, creating a more elongated S shape.
By around three months of age, as your baby begins to lift their head, the cervical (upper) spine starts to form a backward C shape. This curve emerges as the neck muscles strengthen and the baby gains the ability to hold their head up against gravity. Tummy time is essential during this stage, as it encourages the baby to lift their head and arch their neck, promoting the development of the cervical curve.
The development of the lumbar curve, or backward C shape in the lower back, typically begins when the baby starts crawling and moving independently, usually between 6 to 12 months. Allowing your baby ample opportunity to move around and explore is crucial for developing the supporting muscles and proper spinal curvature.
A significant milestone in spinal development is when a child can support themselves upright, typically achieved between 12 to 18 months. This stage reflects a notable advancement in spinal strength and alignment. For further information on what a baby chiropractor assesses, please refer to our “what a baby chiropractor checks”.
Chiropractic For Your Toddler
Your child’s nervous system is crucial for coordinating their perceptions, thoughts, movements, and behaviors. This complex system depends on the spine for both protection and support. The spine encases and safeguards the nervous system, so any misalignments or imbalances can disrupt the connection between the brain and body. Maintaining proper spinal alignment is vital for ensuring that the nervous system functions efficiently, which in turn supports your child’s overall health and development.
As children grow and explore their world, they naturally experience falls, bumps, and minor injuries, which can stress their developing bodies. Chiropractic care for children aims to address alignment and imbalances within the musculoskeletal system that can arise from these experiences. Common issues that may be addressed include postural problems, spinal imbalances, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and headaches. By focusing on these areas, chiropractic care helps to support proper alignment and function, contributing to overall well-being and healthy development.
Pediatric chiropractic care is conducted with a strong emphasis on safety, utilizing modified and gentle techniques specifically tailored for your child. These techniques are designed to address musculoskeletal issues without causing discomfort or harm. The primary goal is to support your child’s spine and nervous system development while ensuring their safety and comfort.
School Aged Children & Chiropractic
Know Your Childs Posture
In today’s digital age, the widespread use of technology is having a notable impact on children’s growth and development. Frequent use of smartphones, tablets, and computers can lead to various posture and spinal health issues. As specialists in spine health, we urge parents to closely monitor their children’s posture and be aware of any changes in spinal curvature.
Our experience as Newcastle chiropractors reveals a troubling increase in musculoskeletal conditions among children and adolescents, including headaches, neck pain, and back pain. These issues are often linked to poor posture and prolonged periods of sedentary behavior. To proactively address these concerns, incorporating regular spinal stretching and exercise into your child’s daily routine can be highly effective. Just as we teach children the importance of brushing their teeth for oral health, developing a routine of spinal exercises can significantly support their spinal health and improve posture awareness.
Recognizing common postural issues early can help mitigate more serious problems down the line. Regular check-ups and mindful practices can play a crucial role in maintaining your child’s spinal health and overall well-being. By addressing these issues proactively, you can help ensure your child grows up with a strong, healthy spine.
Family Friendly Chiropractic Experience
At Family Life Chiropractic, we prioritize creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for families. Our clinic is thoughtfully designed with your family’s needs in mind, featuring a range of activities to keep your children engaged and entertained while you receive care. To ensure a stress-free visit, we offer a dedicated baby feeding and changing room, providing privacy and convenience for new parents.
We understand the demands of busy family life and are committed to respecting your time. Our chiropractors strive to run on schedule to minimize wait times, ensuring your visit is as efficient as possible. We also offer ample parking with easy access for prams, making it easier for families to visit us.
Our goal is to create a supportive and accommodating experience for every member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest. We look forward to providing care in an environment that feels like an extension of your home.