As you stare at your adorable mini human, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will never let them come to harm. As their protector, you pick them up for a cuddle, and then you hear it “pop.” Filled with dread you are thinking “Can my little one be hurt from baby back cracking?”
Baby Back Cracking – Does it Hurt?
Although it may sound unnerving. If your baby’s back cracks when picked up it shouldn’t hurt at all. Baby back cracking happens when soft tissue interacts with hard tissues, namely tendons and bones. It is common for your baby’s back to click. This process is common in the developing baby as their growth rate is so much faster than ours.
What Happens if a Baby’s Back Cracks?
First things first, they will not come to any harm! Back cracking is a relatively common process.
“But my first child didn’t do it!” I hear you. I felt just as shocked when it happened with my second born. Needless to say the reason the back crack happens is purely down to tendons and bones.
Babies are extremely flexible little mites. From chewing toes to sleeping frog legged their muscles and tendons are as if they are attached with elastic. The need for this flexibility is because of the rate they grow. Back cracking is a result of their tendons coming under pressure and then the pop will sound.
The term they are not babies for long is no joke. One minute you have this beautiful newborn then you blink and your babbling baby is making their next move right?!
As your baby grows you may notice they crack and pop more which again is no need for concern. Some people think it signifies a growth spurt as the tendons grow to catch up with their body.
Can it Hurt?
The last thing you ever want to do is hurt your little one. So if you are thinking I accidentally cracked my babies back don’t panic. They more than likely didn’t even notice. The only time I would seek medical advice is if your little one was showing signs of pain or discomfort.
So, Why Does My Baby’s Back Crack When I Pick Him Up?
As previously mentioned baby back cracking can be a sign of the tendons in the joints growing. You will probably get used to it and then notice one day that it has stopped completely. Then again it may only come to light when your baby is in a growth spurt. The number one thing to remember is picking your baby up is not going to hurt him if his back pops! So get your cuddle time in whilst they are not on the move!
‣ Old Wives Tales
“Don’t pop your knuckles, you will get Arthritis!”
Sound familiar? When I was growing up this was something my grandparents used to say. True to their word knuckle popping and bone clicking is more prone in those who have arthritis but active popping and cracking cannot create Arthritis, there just is no real evidence.
As we live by scientific knowledge, cracking your bones as you grow is totally safe and normal especially if done by accident.
‣ Joint Hypermobility
As we have discussed how flexible babies naturally are there is a term for people who have loose joints or as you may have heard being double jointed.
Hypermobility in your joints isn’t always a bad sign. Babies tend to have it as their bones go through the ossification processes and cue toe chewing!
Many adults can keep this hypermobility and it can bode well for their hobbies or careers even. Gymnasts, dancers, and musicians all depend on their flexibility to perform well.
The flip side to joint hypermobility is the symptoms that are less desirable:
- Clicking joints
- Muscle stiffness
- Recurrent injuries – dislocations/ sprains.
- Bowel issues
- Dizziness or extreme fatigue.
Joint hypermobility isn’t diagnosed in babies as they are growing and their joints and tendons will eventually stop clicking but if the symptoms continue to later childhood and adulthood then a doctor could provide a diagnosis.
When Should You Seek Advice?
So, can babies’ backs crack? Of course! But there are times as a parent you should look out for. There are places and parts of your baby that could click that may warrant a professional eye.
‣ Hips
My first child was examined after birth and the pediatrician declared that she could have a click hip. Not entirely conscious from the birthing drugs my husband later explained that clicking hips in babies can indicate improper development which will need addressing not to create future problems.
Luckily for us after a few days at home we returned for a scan and check up and my little one was clear, so my point to this is don’t panic if you do get asked to take your bub for an extra check up it could be purely a precaution.
‣ Elbows and Shoulders
Don’t forget that clicking joints is normal and we have discovered the real reason behind it all but there are times to ask for advice.
As a parent, you would never forgive yourself for causing harm to your child, but in some cases, you have to act quickly.
Your toddler has made a dart for a busy road so your only option is to grab them by their arm. In turn, you have saved their life but you could cause their elbow or shoulder to pop out of place.
Namely a dislocation of the joint they can be easily treated but have to be seen by a doctor.
Signs your child has a dislocation would be:
- Crying
- Swelling
- Pain
- Holding the injured arm
- Red and tender
- Difficult to move
What Can a Chiropractor Do for My Baby?
At times back cracking may not be a part of the usual growth of the support system then you may be referred to a Chiropractor.
Think about childbirth, I am not talking about how intense you found it, I am talking about the journey your baby has to go through before being born. Yes you push, but their little bodies get twisted, turned, and stuck in various positions and because of this it can sometimes cause complications.
If your little one is referred to Chiropractic care then there is no need to worry at all! It is simply to help readjust your baby’s spine to enhance their mobility, immunity, and nervous system.
If you are still concerned then read below for some benefits of seeing a chiropractor for your baby:
‣ Physical Development
It is incredible how fast a baby grows. It takes them 9 months to transform from a tiny cell to a fully functioning human and after birth this rate does not slow down.
From a tiny newborn to holding their own head to sitting, babies are continually learning and mastering physical skills.
In this day and age, we have so many support aids that could misalign our baby’s spine, not giving them the correct space to develop strength on their own can cause a lazy posture.
If your doctor suspects that your baby’s spine has become lazy, a few trips to the chiropractor can help rectify any alignment issues.
‣ Boosts Nerves
The birthing process can take its toll on your baby and little nerves can get pinched or trapped along their birthing journey. Visiting a chiropractor can help relieve the tension and strain on these nerves.
‣ Boosts Immunity
Believe it or not but your child’s immune system is controlled by their spine! Their nervous system runs directly through their spine so any part that is out of sync can cause complications in various areas of their body. Incredible right?
So as you can see if you are referred to a Chiropractor there are clear benefits of your visit. If you are still unsure of the nature of realigning your little one’s spine then talk further with your baby’s doctor so they can give you all the necessary information. It also doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion.
‣ You Are Not Wasting Their Time
Many parents may feel like they know their doctor personally with the amount they visit their office. I felt like one of those moms who should have had a private parking spot. If you have any cause for concern, no matter if we have covered it in this article or not, you are not being a nag by asking a doctor’s advice.
Wrapping Up
To sum up our findings, baby back cracking can be as normal as our baby’s growing hair. You are not hurting your little munchkin. If you find that they are happy in themselves then the typical explanation is tendon pressure.
A growing baby can make us as parents proud as they reach milestones yet worry if they begin to display things that we deem unusual.
Remember to look out for clicking hips or sore joints as it could signal something other than a growth spurt.
I wish you and your bouncing baby a happy healthy time whether they back crack or not – remember they aren’t little for long!
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