What exactly is a cranial adjustment???

F.A.Q.'s about Cranial Chiropractic

1. What is cranial chiropractic care?

Cranial chiropractic care is a specialized approach that focuses on aligning the bones of the skull (cranium) and optimizing the function of the cranial-dural-meningeal system and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) movement. This is seen as a vital, holistic technique for accessing 80% of the central nervous system located in the brain, aiming to restore normal function and address a wide range of health issues through precise, gentle adjustments.

2. How does cranial chiropractic care differ from traditional chiropractic?
Unlike traditional chiropractic, which primarily targets the spine, cranial chiropractic care emphasizes the skull’s 22 bones and their sutures—flexible joints allowing slight movement. Proper cranial adjustments play a huge role in correcting cranial imbalances that affect CSF flow, nerve transmission, and brain function to complement spinal care and enhance overall neurological health.

3. What conditions can cranial chiropractic care address?
This care can help with headaches, migraines, TMJ dysfunction, developmental delays, learning disorders, post-trauma recovery (e.g., concussions), sleep issues, and chronic tension. 

4. What techniques are used in cranial chiropractic care?
Techniques include cranial palpation to detect restrictions, specific adjustments to restore suture movement, and soft tissue work to release tension. The Peak Potential Institute’s CCA methodology, taught in their 38-week Cranial Immersion program, covers extra-oral and intra-oral corrections (e.g., for occipital or sphenoid bones), CSF balancing, and sutural techniques like the “Fruit Jar” method, all designed for precision and efficacy.

6. Does cranial chiropractic care help infants with torticollis or plagiocephaly?
Certainly!  Cranial chiropractic care can help prevent babies from needing to wear helmets by addressing cranial distortions and asymmetries early, promoting natural skull shaping during critical developmental stages. Helmets, often prescribed for conditions like plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or brachycephaly, are typically used when a baby’s skull shape doesn’t correct on its own due to prolonged pressure or restrictions.  

Cranial chiropractic care focuses on gently adjusting the 22 bones of the skull, which are not fully fused in infants and retain flexibility at their sutures. Birth trauma (e.g., from forceps, vacuum extraction, or prolonged labor) or in-utero positioning can cause these bones to misalign, leading to uneven pressure on the skull. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors can reduce asymmetrical flattening before it becomes severe enough to warrant a helmet. For example, a slight shift in the occipital or parietal bones can be adjusted to restore balance, encouraging symmetrical growth.
Restricted movement in the neck (e.g., torticollis) often contributes to flat spots, as babies may favor lying on one side of their head. Cranial chiropractic care, paired with spinal adjustments, can release tension in the neck muscles and improve range of motion. This allows babies to naturally reposition their heads during sleep or play, reducing consistent pressure on one area of the skull—a key factor in avoiding the need for helmet therapy.
The cranial system influences CSF circulation, which supports healthy brain and skull development. Restrictions in cranial bone movement can disrupt this flow, potentially exacerbating developmental issues. Gentle cranial adjustments ensure proper CSF dynamics, which may help the skull adapt and reshape more effectively during rapid infant growth, minimizing the risk of persistent deformities.
For example, imagine a baby born via C-section with a slightly flattened occiput from in-utero positioning. A cranial chiropractor might detect a jammed occipital suture and use a gentle adjustment to release it, followed by a neck adjustment to ease torticollis. Over weeks, as the baby’s head moves more freely and pressure evens out, the skull rounds naturally—no helmet required.
Combining cranial care with tummy time and repositioning advice enhances outcomes, potentially eliminating the need for more invasive interventions.

7. Can cranial chiropractic care benefit children?
Absolutely. The Peak Potential Institute emphasizes its value for pediatric patients, addressing issues like colic, ear infections, nursing difficulties, and cranial distortions from birth trauma. Their SOT® Pediatric Certificate Program teaches chiropractors to assess and adjust cranial bones in infants and children, promoting healthy neurological development during critical early years when 80-90% of the nervous system groundwork is laid.

 

Curious about how chiropractic can help during pregnancy?

Perinatal Chiropractic F.A.Q.'s

1. What is perinatal chiropractic care?
Perinatal chiropractic care is a specialized form of chiropractic treatment focused on supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It aims to optimize spinal and pelvic alignment, reduce discomfort, and promote overall wellness for both the momma and baby.

2. Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Of course!! Techniques are adapted to accommodate the changing body of a pregnant woman, avoiding pressure on the abdomen and using gentle, low-force adjustments to ensure safety and comfort.  Our doctors use special pillows designed to increase comfort for pregnant momma's during the adjustment!

3. What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Benefits include relief from back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica; improved pelvic alignment for easier labor and delivery; reduced muscle tension; and enhanced nervous system function. It can also help with nausea and improve overall comfort during pregnancy.

4. Can chiropractic care help with breech babies?
In some cases, yes. The Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic method, is designed to reduce tension in the pelvis and ligaments, potentially creating more space for a breech baby to turn head-down. While not a guarantee, many women seek this technique to support natural repositioning - and both our Docs are Webster certified!

5. How often should I see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
The frequency depends on your individual needs and the chiropractor’s recommendations. Some women benefit from weekly or biweekly visits, especially as pregnancy progresses, while others may only need occasional adjustments for specific discomforts.  We will create a customized care plan that details the recommended adjustment frequency specifically for you!

6. What happens during a perinatal chiropractic visit?
A typical visit involves a health history review, a physical assessment of your spine and pelvis, and gentle adjustments tailored to your stage of pregnancy. We may also provide exercises or lifestyle advice to support your care.

7. Can I continue chiropractic care after giving birth?
Absolutely! Postpartum chiropractic care can help realign the spine and pelvis after delivery, support recovery from physical strain, and address issues like posture changes from breastfeeding or carrying a newborn - and our care plans include postpartum care!

If you have more specific questions or want deeper details, feel free to ask!  Call, or ask your question via the bubble on our website!

How can chiropractic care help my baby?

Facts about Pediatric Chiropractic care

1. What is pediatric chiropractic care?
Pediatric chiropractic care is a gentle, specialized form of chiropractic treatment designed for infants, children, and adolescents. It focuses on supporting proper spinal alignment, nervous system function, and overall development using safe, age-appropriate techniques.

2. Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes, it is completely safe, especially when performed by a properly trained chiropractor. Adjustments for children are much gentler than those for adults, often using light fingertip pressure or specialized tools to suit their developing bodies.  The amount of pressure is the same as when you touch your eyes.

3. At what age can a child start chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can begin as early as infancy, even hours after birth, if needed. Newborns are often checked for spinal misalignments caused by the birthing process, but care can be beneficial at any age depending on the child’s needs.

4. Why might a child need chiropractic care?
Children may benefit from chiropractic care for issues like colic, reflux, tounge ties, ear infections, poor posture, growing pains, or recovery from minor injuries. It can also support healthy development after birth trauma or milestones like teething or learning to walk.

5. What happens during a pediatric chiropractic visit?
A visit typically includes a detailed health history, a gentle examination of the child’s spine and posture, and light adjustments if necessary. The chiropractor may also offer guidance to parents on supporting their child’s health at home.

6. Can chiropractic care help with conditions like ADHD or autism?
While chiropractic care doesn’t cure ADHD, autism, or similar conditions, parents have reported seeing improvements in their child’s comfort, sleep, or behavior due to enhanced nervous system function. 

7. How often should a child see a chiropractor?
The frequency depends on the child’s specific needs. Some children benefit from bi-weekly check-ups for maintenance, while others may need more frequent visits for acute issues like colic or injury recovery. Our D.C.'s will create a custom care plan for your child that clearly lays out the recommended adjusting schedule. 

Let us know if you’d like more details on any of these!