21/09/2024
Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Infants: Signs and How Chiropractic Can Help
Does your baby:
- Tilt or turn their head to one side?
- Struggle with breastfeeding or bottle feeding?
- Make clicking noises while feeding?
- Prefer one breast over the other?
- Have trouble sleeping?
- Look like a “banana” when lying down?
- Dislikes tummy time?
- Hates the car seat?
- Cry excessively?
- Have gas and strain frequently?
If you answered yes to any of these, your baby may be experiencing **musculoskeletal dysfunction**. This system supports movement through muscles, bones, joints, and more. When there’s dysfunction, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and even developmental issues.
**Untreated Musculoskeletal Dysfunction** can result in:
- Asymmetry
- Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
- Scoliosis
- Sleep difficulties
- Behavioral challenges
- Developmental delays
- Painful breastfeeding
- Digestive issues
Chiropractic care has shown promise in addressing these issues and supporting your baby’s natural development.
**References:**
1. Alcantara, J. and Anderson, R. (2008). *Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease*. [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597889/)
2. Siegenthaler, M. (2017). *Unresolved Congenital Torticollis and Its Consequences*. [Link](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2017.05.004)
3. Holleman, A.C., Nee, J. (2011). *Chiropractic management of breast-feeding difficulties*. [Link](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.010)
4. Hwang et al. (2019). *Changes in Muscle Stiffness in Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis*. [Link](https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics9040158)
