<![CDATA[Brent Family Chiropractic, 1216 Wildwood Ave, Suite D Jackson, MI 49202517.315.4468 - Blog]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:42:08 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Chiropractic care leads to more comfortable pregnancy]]>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:07:46 GMThttps://www.brentfamilychiropractic.com/blog/chiropractic-care-leads-to-more-comfortable-pregnancy
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When a woman finds out she is pregnant, many questions can come up about what to do next, what appointments to schedule, and how to make healthy choices for herself and her growing baby.  But is chiropractic care on her mind?  An increasing number of women are realizing the benefits of chiropractic care, and are incorporating regular chiropractic adjustments into their prenatal regimen.  
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can lead to a more comfortable pregnancy and safer delivery for mother and baby.  Hormonal and structural changes can lead to spinal and pelvic misalignment leading to low back pain, sciatica, headaches, and more.


Studies have shown decreased labor times and  relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care.  A specific chiropractic adjustment called the Webster Technique aligns the pelvis to balance and reduce tension. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the crisis and worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether. Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the potential for slowed or difficult labor and therefore results in easier and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.
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Incorporating regular spinal check-ups, exercise, and proper nutrition can make pregnancy the natural, exciting, and comfortable experience mothers want it to be! 
]]><![CDATA[October 10th, 2019]]>Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:53:59 GMThttps://www.brentfamilychiropractic.com/blog/october-10th-2019
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Tips for surviving your pregnancy with a toddler at home
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​Growing a tiny new human is exhausting! During your first pregnancy it is a lot easier to be able to rest when needed, but when you have other children to care for, things can get a little more stressful.  Here are a few tips for surviving pregnancy with a toddler (or other children) at home.
  1. ASK FOR HELP! This is the hardest thing for moms (well most people) to do. Asking a relative or friend for help so you can have an hour to accomplish a task, or even get some needed rest is essential for your mental health! Find a neighborhood teenager that would be great to play with your toddler while you can accomplish some household chores! If hiring help is in the budget, go for it! Having someone come clean your house twice a month gives you the time to spend with your kids and lowers your stress! If you don’t ask for help, people who are willing to help won’t know how they are needed.
  2. Rest. If you are lucky enough that your toddler still naps, take a nap with them! In the first trimester especially, you might need to go to bed when your toddler goes to bed at night. Getting good sleep will help you recharge for the next day! Sleep is also necessary to maintain good health, lowering your risk of diseases and complications of pregnancy such as diabetes, preeclampsia, heart disease and interventions during labor.
  3. Quiet Time. Find some time each day for quiet time with your toddler. Find something they can do independently, and quietly, while you are able to lay back for a few minutes and prop your feet up. Occasionally this might need to be a tv show or movie, and that’s ok! Let your toddler color in their high chair (so your walls don’t get a new mural), or have a sticker book available.
  4. Diet and Hydration. Too much sugar can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy, so avoid the burnout by maintaining a proper diet and drinking plenty of water. Snacking through the day can also help balance your blood sugar and reduce morning sickness or nausea.  Healthy proteins, fruit and veggies will give you the energy needed to keep up with your toddler, and support your growing bump!
  5. Exercise. Keep moving! Go for a walk with your toddler, sit on the floor and stretch together, join a mommy and me class, and keep your body strong and flexible for a healthy pregnancy. Exercising helps increase your overall energy, improves your mood, aids in better sleep, reduces your chances of gestational diabetes, and may help reduce constipation, bloating and swelling.
  6. Chiropractic Care. When your spine is in line with chiropractic care, pain is reduced, and you feel like you are able to perform the household chores and play with your kids with less trouble. If you are in pain, other tasks become harder and harder, increasing your stress. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and gentle, and is recommended as a way to reduce pain without using medications. Give your body support to stay feeling great with chiropractic care! When mamma is happy, EVERYONE is happy!
​Meaghan S. Brent, DC, CACCP
]]><![CDATA[Torticollis]]>Tue, 14 Aug 2018 19:21:06 GMThttps://www.brentfamilychiropractic.com/blog/torticollis​What is torticollis and how can we help?

Torticollis is a contraction of the muscles in the neck that are innervated by the spinal accessory nerve (Cranial nerve XI).  Classic signs of torticollis are when the head is drawn to one side and rotated so the chin points to the opposing side. Typical presentation can also include a flat occiput (back of the head) due to increased pressure from looking to the one side. A newborn with torticollis may also have difficulty breastfeeding.

At Brent Family Chiropractic we offer several options to alleviate Torticollis symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments, Massage and CranioSacral Therapy reduce the tension within the muscles, fascia and bony structures to allow the body to function properly.

Chiropractic adjustments for torticollis involve specific contact to the joint in the spine that is restricted or out of alignment.  Adjustments with newborns and children are very gentle, and the pressure used is minimal to achieve the correction. The closer to onset of the symptoms that treatment is given, the less likely the child will need further interventions.

Massage for torticollis involves light stretching of the head and neck, trigger point therapy along the upper shoulders and full neck as well as light massage to increase circulation to the muscles to aid in relaxing the muscular tension.

CranioSacral Therapy for torticollis involves light touch along the base of the neck into the upper torso, throughout the middle and upper neck as well as to the base of the cranium (head) and along the temporal lobes (where the ears connect).

Treatment for torticollis ranges depending on the severity of each case. Chiropractic adjustments may be made for 4 to 10 treatments depending on how quickly the body is responding to care. Massage therapy sessions could be 30 minute to an hour weekly, or every other week for up to a month or longer. Each treatment will build upon the next, so the closer we do them together, the quicker we will see results. Keeping the appointments close together allows the body to slowly unwind the learned behavior. If our appointments are too far apart, the body can formulate new holding patterns that in turn will take longer to correct.
 
Rachel I. Tice, LMT
Meaghan S. Brent, DC, CACCP
 
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