Some spitting up is normal in babies. When it becomes persistent, when the baby is visibly uncomfortable after feeds or arches the back, or is not gaining weight as expected, the reflux is more than a laundry problem. It is a sign that something is interfering with normal digestive function. Beacon Clinic of Chiropractic in Grover Beach evaluates infant acid reflux from a structural perspective, looking at whether tension in the upper spine and nervous system may be contributing to the problem.
The nerves that influence stomach and esophageal function exit the upper portion of the spine. When the cervical vertebrae are restricted or under tension, which can happen during the birth process, the nerve signaling to the digestive system may be affected. This is the structural rationale for evaluating a baby's spine when reflux is persistent. Dr. Dan Bronstein at Beacon Clinic of Chiropractic holds a diplomate in pediatrics from the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics and carries both Webster and Perinatal Certification through the ICPA. His evaluation of infant reflux includes a careful assessment of upper cervical alignment and muscle tone through the neck and upper back, along with the baby's overall neurological presentation. He is the only provider on California's Central Coast with that combination of pediatric credentials.
The care itself is extremely gentle. The pressure used on an infant is light enough that most babies remain calm during the adjustment. Parents unfamiliar with pediatric chiropractic are often surprised by how mild the intervention looks. There are no abrupt movements and no forceful manipulation.
Beacon Clinic of Chiropractic is a short drive from Pismo Beach in Grover Beach, California. Dr. Bronstein works alongside pediatricians rather than in place of them and sees chiropractic evaluation as one piece of the clinical picture. A call to the clinic starts the process.
When Infant Reflux Warrants a Structural Evaluation
What Gentle Chiropractic Care Looks Like for a Baby
The Connection Between Birth and Infant Digestive Difficulty