How Chiropractic Care Can Support Infants After Birth Trauma
Birth is a beautiful, transformative process—but it can also be tough on little bodies. Even a smooth delivery can place significant pressure on an infant’s head, neck, and shoulders. In some cases, that stress can lead to what’s called birth trauma—small injuries or misalignments that affect comfort, feeding, and sleep.
At The Catalyst Spine Co., we see babies every week who are struggling to turn their head one way, latch comfortably, or sleep soundly. Gentle chiropractic care can make a world of difference.
What Happens During Birth Trauma?
During delivery—especially long or assisted labors—babies may experience pressure on their neck or shoulders. This can sometimes lead to:
Clavicle (collarbone) strain or fracture
Neck tightness or torticollis
Feeding difficulties or poor latch
Cranial and jaw tension that makes nursing painful or ineffective
Even a minor imbalance can interfere with an infant’s ability to move freely, feed efficiently, or rest well.
A Real Case Example
A recent case study published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic (2025) described the care of a 16-day-old infant with a fractured clavicle and breastfeeding difficulties following a long labor
After gentle chiropractic adjustments using a light “touch and hold” technique, the baby showed:
Improved neck movement
Better latching and nursing comfort
Decreased fussiness and crying
Improved sleep and digestion
By the end of care, the mother reported that both she and her baby were more relaxed—and her own mastitis symptoms had resolved.
How Gentle Infant Adjustments Work
Infant chiropractic care isn’t the same as adult adjustments. Techniques are extremely gentle, often using no more pressure than you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato. These subtle adjustments help:
Restore proper joint and muscle balance
Reduce nervous system tension
Improve feeding, digestion, and sleep quality
Support healthy spinal and cranial development
At The Catalyst Spine Co., every infant adjustment is tailored to your child’s comfort and stage of development.
Why Chiropractic for Infants?
The goal of pediatric chiropractic care is not to “fix” a baby but to support the body’s ability to heal and adapt naturally. Research has shown benefits in infants dealing with:
Breastfeeding or latching difficulties
Reflux or colic
Sleep issues
Torticollis or head-turning preference
Irritability or excessive crying
Gentle Support for New Families
If your baby struggles to nurse comfortably, seems fussy or “stuck” turning one direction, or just doesn’t seem at ease—chiropractic care may help.
At The Catalyst Spine Co., Dr. Tara Mueller provides Webster-certified, neurologically based care to help your child’s nervous system function at its best from the very beginning.
✨ Your baby’s first adjustments can set the stage for lifelong health and comfort.
Schedule your newborn or infant evaluation today!
Primary Source Citation:
Acker, J., & Bloom, D. (2024). Positive health outcomes following chiropractic care in an infant with birth trauma, clavicular fracture, subluxation, and breastfeeding dysfunction: A case report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, 2024(Spring), 1–7.
Supporting References:
Miller, J. E., & Benfield, K. (2008). Adverse events in chiropractic care for children: A review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 419–423.
Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2010). The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: A survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 6(5), 290–295.
