Atlas Spinal Care, a head and neck clinic in Upland, CA, has recently made a
call for mothers to have their newborn babies checked for somatic dysfunction.
A recent research study published by U.S. National Library of Medicine found
evidence of somatic dysfunction in over 90% of healthy newborns that were
examined. The study also suggests that corrections to the upper cervical spine
in healthy newborns can decrease complications associated with somatic
dysfunction and decrease hospital length of stay.
"Clinicians can apply as much as 69N or 15.5
lbs of pressure on a baby during
a difficult delivery," says Dr. Jameson Wong, a cervical spine specialist.
"With newborns we can restore proper structural position of the head and neck
through a gentle and precise correction."
Somatic dysfunction occurs when some portion of the somatic system, be it
cranial, myofascial, or arthrodial is injured or damaged, causing it to
function improperly. The published findings mentioned above, along with
personal experience by Dr. Wong, have caused concern throughout the Atlas
Spinal Care team, and they are reaching out to parents who may have infants
suffering from this condition.
Among the many issues documented by the team, which could cause somatic
dysfunction, they explain that the upper cervical spine takes a lot of
movement and tension during labor, and therefore prolonged bouts of labor can
cause damage to the head and spine of the baby. Signs of this damage include
reduced range of motion, issues with nursing, and even colic in an otherwise
[healthy newborn](http://www.atlasspinalcare.com/baby-injured-during-birth-
process-part-1/). They explain: "A misalignment of the Atlas, the top bone in
the neck (the most likely bone to misalign during the birth process) has been
linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, colic, ear infections, acid reflux and
many other neurological conditions related to brainstem dysfunction and
accompanying symptoms."
To help babies with this condition, the team at Atlas Spinal Care explains
that aside from conventional
treatment, the
somatic dysfunction can be corrected by someone like Dr. Jameson Wong who
specializes in the correction of the head and neck. Those who are interested
in learning more about the condition and treatments available are invited to
call the clinic directly, or visit their website for details.
Contact Atlas Spinal Care:
Dr. Tymothy L. Flory
909-982-9100
AtlasSpinalCare@gmail.com
2335 W Foothill Blvd Suite 20, Upland, CA 91786