Chiropractic 101
The key to understanding chiropractic is in understanding the nervous system. We live our lives through our nerve system. The spine surrounds and protects this system. Spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, disrupt nerve flow from the brain to various parts of the body and poor health (and pain) is a direct result. Chiropractors remove subluxations, which works to restore communication and create a state of balance, harmony and greater health.
Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy
Receiving chiropractic care before, during and after pregnancy is a safe, gentle and irreplaceable form of healthcare. “Adjusting women during this amazing time in their life is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, because a healthier pregnancy means an easier labor and delivery and a better transition for the baby into this world.” states Dr. Hartman.
Not only has chiropractic care been shown to decrease pain and labor time (by an average of 6 hours!), but it also has helped with problems like heartburn, morning sickness, lower back pain, breech babies, constipation and so much more!
Many are not aware of the neurological implications associated with these misalignments (subluxations). There are millions of different hormonal and chemical changes occurring in both mom and baby – all of which are controlled and coordinated through the nervous system. Having an optimal functioning nervous system – free of stress from subluxation- ensures an overall healthier pregnancy, which in turn increase the chances of a healthier birth. A healthier birth increases the chances of a healthier child …and a healthy child is all a mom could truly wish for!
Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment that restores balance to the pelvis and relaxes surrounding muscles and ligaments in order to correct in-utero constraint. This is a condition in which the misaligned bones of the pelvis create asymmetry and constriction in the pelvic opening. Many times, this constriction hinders a baby’s ability to assume an ideal position for birth.
Dr. Tami is certified in the Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. This adjustment helps many women avoid C-sections by allowing the baby to get into the proper head down position.
After Birth
Life with a new baby is definitely a time where chiropractic care can help your body adjust more easily. Although childbirth is a natural process, it puts an abnormal amount of stress on a mother’s body and this directly affects the spine and nervous system. Regular adjustments help new moms to recover quicker from labor and delivery, relieve back and neck tension associated with lifting the baby, breastfeeding, stress and lack of sleep. Chiropractic care has also been shown to reduce the incidence of postpartum depression because a healthy nervous system contributes to balanced hormone levels.
Kids Need Chiropractic Too!
The most crucial time in a person’s life to receive chiropractic adjustments is during infancy and childhood. Birth is one of the most traumatic processes our bodies ever go through. Whether the baby passes naturally through the birth canal or via C-Section, there is an incredible amount of force placed on the delicate spine and nervous system. If interventions such as forceps or suction were used, then the stress to the baby’s body increases.
Common indicators of Subluxation/nerve stress are:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble breastfeeding
- Constipation
- Colic
- Delays in crawling or walking
- ADD
- Ear infections
- Depression
- Prolonged illness
- and many others.
Many moms bring their children to us for the above concerns; however, many more moms choose chiropractic care to prevent those problems and help raise exceptionally healthy kids from the start!
Meet Our Chiropractor
Dr. Tami Hartman is a family wellness chiropractor whose specialty is in women’s health, pediatrics and pregnancy. She has been practicing for over 14 years and has a passion for helping families live vibrant, healthy, drug free lives! She is also a certified health coach and teaches strategies for healthy living through nutritional coaching, wellness workshops and by providing specialized chiropractic care.