As a family chiropractic office, one of our biggest priorities is making sure that children are cared for just as well as their parents. While many people understand the connection between chiropractic and pregnancy low back pain, some do not realize that chiropractic care can start even earlier than that. Specifically with the Webster Technique, which is well known for helping a baby shift from the breech position.
The Webster Technique protocol is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment done by a pediatric chiropractor. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.
The chiropractic technique is named after Dr. Larry Webster, D.C., who was researching the best way to help restore natural function and balance of the pelvis.
The Webster breech baby technique relies on the specific analysis of the SI joint to determine the appropriate diversified chiropractic adjustment. Once aligned many symptoms are relieved that include, but not limited to:
- Low back pain
- Sciatic neuralgia
- SI joint pain
- Pelvis pain
In addition to these acute and chronic pain symptoms, the webster technique may help in the prevention of c-section or surgery unless it is completely necessary.
Dr. Webster also took note that when the proper function and biomechanics of the pelvis and SI joints were restored it could help reverse the breech position of a baby to more optimal one. There is a great deal of research studies and literature that prove the effectiveness of the chiropractic technique.
The Webster technique works because the correction of the tilted and rotated pelvic bones allows for the birth canal to widen, which lessens the complication of a natural birth.
The proper alignment of the pelvis can also help the related muscles and ligaments remain lax which can better help the nerve communication between the brain and the rest of the nervous system.
Another vital component to this Webster technique is the role of the round ligament. This ligament is responsible for helping the uterus stay in place within the abdomen. As the baby grows, the round ligament can end up stretched and extremely tight leading to pain, discomfort, and muscle spasms.
The release of the round ligament is one of the benefits once the pelvis is properly realigned. This is one of the reasons symptoms are relieved and space is created for the baby to maneuver in the small quarters.
As important as the change of a breech position is to the health of the child in childbirth, there are many obstetric studies that show the positioning of the fetus in-utero can increase or decrease unneeded stress on the baby’s spine and nervous system. The prevention of a difficult birth, or dystocia, is a very important consideration when when considering whether to be adjusted by a chiropractor.
Queen Anne Chiropractic Center’s position is that analyzing the sacrum and pelvis to determine ideal and optimal positioning is what is best for both mother and child. This is even without taking other vital factors into account which naturally change over the course of a pregnancy:
- Increase in hormones
- Postural changes and weight gain
- Ligament laxity
- Nutrition
Webster Technique Protocol Certified
With each of our chiropractors being certified in the Webster protocol, you will be in very good hands to help the health of you and your baby.
Webster Technique Success Rate
According to a study published in the the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the success rate of the Webster Technique in shifting a breech baby position is 82%. With this exception rate of success, it is an excellent idea to see a chiropractor if you are concerned about your baby being the breech position.