Reflux and chiropractor

[Olivia]

Hello,
I previously posted this question on the main forum but I just want to find out expert's opinion.

My 6mo boy has reflux and has been on Omerprazole since approx 1 month. I have heard that chiropractor sessions can really help refluxy babies but I'm still a bit sceptical about taking my boy to one. The whole idea of "realignment of spine" seems a bit scary expecially when it comes to little babies. Have you heard of many successful cases of treating reflux this way? Are there any side effects/risks? And, finally, can you recommend someone in the Perth area?

Thanks in advance for you reply.
Olivia

[RISA]

Hi Olivia,
Thanks for contacting our organization, and congratulations on your little boy! I totally understand your concern over taking your son to a chiropractor, as I had those same concerns. I imagine that you have a lot of people telling you what you should be doing, with a lot of it being conflicting too (which is all pretty normal by the way).

With reflux in children, there isn’t one magical answer for each child. What works for one may not work for another, and vice versa. It is all a matter of trial and error to find something that works. It’s really important that you trust your instincts, and that try things that you feel comfortable with, because there are no guarantees.

We tried a chiropractor with my son, but didn’t find it helped his reflux at all, but I have heard of other families where the difference is amazing. Some families swear by it, but others don’t. Some families aren’t comfortable with the idea, and that’s fine too.

If you do choose to go ahead with a chiropractor, ask around (sorry, I don’t know of any in Perth) and get recommendations from other families; make sure they are well qualified to treat babies; and that they have suitable qualifications. Find out if there are a member of the appropriate Australian organization, and also what their treatments are like- I have heard a few different ways they do the treatments, so I gather they are all individual too. Find out what their success rate is with children and with reflux, if there are any complications possible, and how many treatments they expect will be needed (also, total cost as this can be expensive unless you can claim the expense). Some will hold the baby upside down, which may not be the best idea for a reflux baby, so just be aware of that, and perhaps find out if that is part of treatment.

I have heard other families have amazing success with other therapies too eg cranial osteopathy, cranio-sacral therapy, infant massage, etc, while other families have none. Some children seem to only respond with medication, and it can get really confusing.

If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor, or ring the chiropractic association and see if they can provide you with a recommended name, and any further information.

Please remember to trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea, then that’s okay. Finding the right answrs for your own child can be tough, and it really is a matter of trying things (that you are comfortable with) until you find something that works. Some people can get insistent you try the therapy they recommend, but everyone is different, and it is okay to say no if you would rather not.

What kind of problems is he having now? Is the Omeprazole contrlling his reflux successfully or is he still having problems? Does he eat and sleep okay, and is he happy, or is each day a bit of a struggle still?

I hope that info helps you make a decision, and I also hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Glenda

[Olivia]

Thanks so much for your reply, Glenda, and Merry Christmas to you too.

The only problem that DS seems to be having now is vomitting. He seems quite happy during the day and doesn't take too long to settle at night. I don't think he is in pain, so the medication must be working. I actually want to try and wean him of Omerprazole to see what happens.

I will keep asking around about Perth chiro and will probably give it a try since I haven't heard any bad/alarming reports from anyone so far.

Thanks again
Olivia