Cranial Adjustments in Edmonton
Contrary to popular belief, our skull is not one solid structure. It’s actually composed of numerous cranial bones that are interconnected and allow for slight movement. This movement becomes particularly important in cases of head injuries or concussions. Checking the alignment of these eight bones may aid in the healing process, especially for individuals experiencing headaches or eye strain.
Other Benefits of Cranial Adjustments
These adjustments primarily aim to optimize the alignment and movement of the cranial bones, allowing improved cerebrospinal fluid circulation and reducing tension in the surrounding tissues. Here are some of the other advantages that come with adjusting these bones:
- Promotes relaxation
- Relieves stress
- Enhances the body’s self-healing abilities
- Supports neurological health
Help for Infants
Cranial adjustments aren’t just for adults. Newborns often have irregularly shaped heads, and there are quite a few who struggle with latching during breastfeeding. This difficulty can arise if their cranial bones are misaligned, potentially making sucking more challenging due to uneven tension in the cheeks. This imbalance can hinder the baby’s ability to create a proper vacuum while breastfeeding.
Moreover, during childbirth, if the baby’s head presses against the mother’s pelvis, it can result in a slightly distorted head shape. Our aim is to keep the cranial bones mobile. While these bones are primarily cartilage at birth, facilitating their movement can positively contribute to the brain’s growth.
Adjustments can help the skull expand naturally as the brain develops. Therefore, our focus is on ensuring the continuous movement of these cranial bones, providing the developing brain adequate space to grow. Dr. Don has considerable experience performing gentle cranial adjustments on infants.
What to Expect
One key cranial bone we typically examine is the sphenoid bone, located at the center of your skull. Resembling a butterfly, the sphenoid bone connects to all other cranial bones and forms the area behind your eyes, the top of your mouth, and the temples. Due to its central location, any impact on this bone can cause significant discomfort or even loss of consciousness.
Examinations often involve checking the tension in the temples or lightly palpating the roof of the mouth. If the sphenoid bone is out of alignment, it may be tender to touch or slightly dropped down on one side. The adjustment process involves a light pressure, similar to what you would apply to your eyeball, combined with controlled breathing to help relax the area.
Book an Appointment
Cranial adjustments at South Side Chiropractic can contribute to improved physical comfort, mental clarity, and holistic wellness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
