Constipation Conundrum? Choose Chiropractic Care for Children
Constipation is a common symptom in newborns, toddles, and children! It can cause discomfort and create worry (& lack of sleep) for parents. While dietary and lifestyle changes are usually the first line of treatment, a great holistic healthcare approach to constipation or poop problems is pediatric chiropractic!
What is constipation in children? It's not as simple as "not pooping every day.” Constipation for children can vary in multiple forms:
Hard, dry stools: Difficulty passing stools. Hard, dry and even pellet-like poop (similar to “rabbit poop”) is a major sign of constipation. Pay attention to firmness, consistency, and color.
Straining or crying: Signs of discomfort or effort during bowel movements. Other things to notice are fussiness or changes in your child’s temperament or overall demeanor (and color of their face) when pooping.
Infrequent bowel movements: While this can vary based on age and feeding type. Newborns can poop up to multiple times a day to one time a day.
Abdominal bloating: bloating and swelling if minor can be a sign of constipation. If bloating and swelling is significant and consistent this can be a more serious problem.
Blood in the stool: If you ever notice blood in the stool it is time to call the pediatrician immediately.
How can chiropractic help?
Here is a little anatomy lesson! Your nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) controls every cell, muscle, tissue, and organ in the body. When there are structural shifts in the spine, these shifts can put pressure on the nervous system causing a decrease in overall body function. This decrease in function can cause a decrease in digestive system function, and this is what can cause constipation! Fun fact: structural shifts in the spine may happen from the birthing process itself, or even when learning to crawl and walk!
Specific, gentle adjustments to the spine can remove structural shifts allowing the body to function better. Many parents in our office notice a positive change in their child’s poop within a few hours of their visit.
Have more questions on pediatric chiropractic? Give us a call today! 720-612-4386
Parker, CO. Castle Rock, CO. Castle Pines, CO. Pediatrics. Children. Constipation. Poop. Poop problems. Poop better. Function better. Health. Wellness. Happy baby. Newborn constipation. Constipation relief.
