First Alternative Health Centre

Osteopaths at First Alternative Health Centre see patients with many different conditions, two of the more common complaints are discussed below

Sucking Difficulty

A baby having difficulty feeding may be suffering from a nerve compression. Cranial osteopaths would be quick to look at the area at the base of the skull to determine if the nerve was affected. From an osteopathic perspective, a child that has or had difficulty latching-on to its mother's nipple during the first few weeks after birth is a potential indicator that there may be some compression of an important nerve that controls the tongue. Whilst the sucking problem may clear up after a few days or weeks, the issue of compression of the hypoglossal nerve - or indeed other nerves - may not actually be resolved fully in the intial period after birth. A detailed patient history for a child should certainly cover this issue even if the condition for which treatment is being sought is rather different.

Colic

Colic is the name given to babies who suffer intense episodes of uncontrollable crying which may persist for hours at time. Colic affects very young babies is typically by the time the baby is 6 months old. There is no single recognised cause for colic.Theories include gastro-intestinal immaturity, wind, and food intolerance. Whilst it is not a dangerous illness it is nevertheless a cause of great discomfort for both the baby and parents who will find it as difficult to sleep as their off-spring. The symptoms vary but tend to include an inability to sleep partcularly on the back, stomach pain, and vomiting. Many parents have found cranial osteopathy to be an effective treatment providing relief to babies who often benefits from even the first treatment, leaving much calmer and more relaxed.