If there is one thing that newborn parents worry about most, it’s keeping their new babies safe and out of harm’s way. But when it comes to the unexpected, like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, something you simply can’t see coming, parents are left terrified wondering if this tragedy could strike at any moment


SIDS is defined as the death of a seemingly healthy baby in its sleep, due to an apparent spontaneous cessation of breathing. SIDS is also referred to as crib death, as babies who die from SIDS most often pass on in their cribs.


At Dr. Gena Chiropractic, a leading family chiropractor in Plantation, we pride ourselves on being able to provide experienced chiropractic care for infants. It is widely known that infant and pediatric chiropractic care may help with a vast array of issues, from colic, to chronic ear infections, constipation, and overall wellness. So, when it comes to something as traumatic and downright terrifying as SIDS, we are passionate about bringing as much awareness to the forefront as possible.


It’s important to understand a few things about SIDS; the first thing being that this is rare and doesn’t happen frequently. In fact, the CDC reported just over 3,000 SIDS deaths in 2016, down considerably from the statistics just two decades before. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rates declined considerably from 130.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 38.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016.

 

While the numbers have been promising, one SIDS death is too many, in our opinion.


While doctors aren’t absolutely sure what causes SIDS deaths, there are a few factors that have been associated with the it. According to WebMD, some babies have a gene or a change to their genes that causes certain health problems that can lead to SIDS. Other babies are born with problems in the part of their brain that controls breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and waking from sleep.


Other factors that raise a baby’s risk for SIDS include:

  • Secondhand smoke
  • Undetected brain defects
  • Respiratory infection
  • Poor sleep position


We’ve often been asked whether chiropractic care can help infants avoid SIDS. According to the US National Library of Medicine, that while there are many factors that can contribute to SIDS, “It is suggested that the ultimate act of dying is due to the occlusion of one or both vertebral arteries triggered by the position of the head and cervical spine. When the head is turned to one side, the ipsilateral vertebral artery may be occluded at mid-cervical level along its length, or the contra lateral artery at atlanto-axial level or on both sides with the head in the initial position. Extension of cervical spine, with or without rotation, may produce obstruction of one or both vertebral arteries.”


Also reported by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), was the fact that “Increased instability of upper cervical spine was found in children who died of crib death.”


According to Dr. Gena, “The upper cervical area plays an important role in the body’s overall ability to function. This is why we always make sure to check the atlas, axis, and occiput (top of the neck) when examining and adjusting the infants and babies that we work with. Chiropractic adjustments remove subluxations (nervous system interference) so that babies, kids, and adults have a better opportunity for their bodies to heal and adapt regardless if there are any symptoms present yet.”


For more information on how chiropractic care can help keep your babies and kids functioning optimally, visit our family chiropractic care facility located just minutes west of Fort Lauderdale.


You and your child’s health is in your hands but ours are here to help!




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Monday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

Closed

Saturday

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Sunday

Closed

Monday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Sunday
Closed