Cranial Work
Promote Optimal Neurodevelopment
Prevent Cranial Distortions
Balance the Dural Meningeal System
What is Cranial Work?
An integral part of a child’s development involves the spine, cranium, and nervous system (comprised of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves). We live entirely through our nervous system and it is important to make sure that this system is as adaptable to our surroundings as possible in order to achieve optimal health. One way that the chiropractors at First Step Family Wellness accomplish this is by checking the spine and cranium to make sure they are balanced from a structural level.
The brain doubles in size the first year of life. This presents a huge reason why it is so crucial to make sure that the cranial bones are moving in an appropriate manner – to accommodate that growth.
The cranial bones and facial bones respond to gravity, internal and external pressures, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid pressure and movement. This is where asymmetries or distortions in the skull come from. Here at First Step Family Wellness, we recommend that every baby’s cranium be evaluated whether the birth was vaginal or by cesarean section and regardless of how long the birth process was. The earlier the cranial distortions are detected and dealt with, the more we are able to prevent long lasting dysfunction and promote optimal neurodevelopment.
Signs that Cranial Work May be Needed
Here are some of the asymmetries that you as an untrained eye might be able to see. If you find any of these when looking at your infant, then have them evaluated by a pediatric chiropractor that has additional chiropractic cranial work advanced training, like the doctors at First Step Family Wellness.
- Flat spot anywhere on the cranium (this is called plagiocephaly)
- The head looks elongated, pointed, widened, or small
- One eye or nostril is bigger than the other
- The jaw swings to one side when smiling/crying/mouth is closed
- Unlevel ears or eyebrows
- Indentations at the temples that are asymmetrical
- One side of the cranium is pushed in compared to the other side
- Bulges or ridges in the cranium
- Fontanels closing too early or late
- Favoring turning to one side
- Head tilted to one side
- Ridged, high, or flat palate
When a baby or child has significant cranial distortions they can present with problems such as breastfeeding issues, unexplained crying, colic, reflux, digestive issues, speech and feeding issues, drooling, developmental issues or delays, heightened gag reflex, teeth grinding, headaches, clumsiness, behavioral problems, retained primitive reflexes, and visual processing issues.
How Chiropractic Cranial Work Can Help
Another system that interacts with the Central Nervous System (CNS) that is worth mentioning is the Dural Meningeal System. The layers of the dura wrap around the entire central nervous system from the tailbone, up the spine, and into the cranium. It provides protection and flexibility. Inside this layer is where the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lives. The CSF is very important because it helps bring nutrients to the CNS, removes waste, controls temperature, and is a protective barrier. There is a specific tension that needs to be in the dural network for the CNS to function properly as well. This is where chiropractic cranial work is so important. If there are unequal tensions in the dural system, then compensations can occur, creating maladaptive patterns that hinder optimal function. Chiropractic cranial work helps to balance tension in the dura and the proper movement of the CSF throughout the spine and cranium.
The basics of chiropractic cranial work are for the practitioner to find the tissue tension and unwind the restriction. The practitioner assesses the cranial bone alignment and range of motion through visual analysis, as well as feeling with their hands. Once the primary restriction is determined, then the doctor will use light pressure on various cranial bones, facial bones, or the palate to restore normal motion. When normal motion is restored, the CSF will move throughout the CNS appropriately once again and this allows the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body more effectively.
Meet Our Cranial Work Providers
What People Are Saying
Incredible bunch! Everyone is kind and compassionate on top of being very knowledgeable and skilled. Feels like family when we’re there. Dr Michelle has been such an important part of navigating my daughter’s tongue tie and her development overall. Her care and guidance has given me a huge confidence boost as a new mom. Moms & Dads, if you’re struggling no matter the reason, whether you know what’s wrong or can’t figure it out, don’t wait and don’t hesitate, these guys have so much to offer!
I’ve been going here for the last 4 years and have had such an amazing experience. I have been able to see all of the doctors at this practice and they are all incredible! Dr. Jeanne helped me with infertility issues and through two pregnancies. For my son the cranial work the office did helped us avoid a helmet for his head shape. They also diagnosed lip ties for both my children and have helped with countless minor ailments. I feel like I am treated like family each time I’m in the office, everyone is so incredible. I drive 30 minutes one way to visit this office and it is so worth it to me!
Cannot say enough good things about this place! My daughter sees Dr. Michelle every other week for colic. Since starting seeing her she has been so much happier! We started seeing a difference almost immediately. From help with adjusting my diet and cranial work for her lip and tongue tie, she’s doing so much better! I highly recommend them! 😊
Cranial Work in St. Louis
Pricing for Cranial Work
We are committed to offering affordable care to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to prioritize their wellness. For more information on our cranial work services and to inquire about pricing, please contact our team.