Reflux is often associated with babies, but adults too, can suffer from that rush up the throat of stomach acid and partly digested food. Many of those who experience heartburn will, at some stage, feel the burning in the oesophagus, and if it happens while sleeping, in the trachea also as the acid finds it's way towards the lungs.

The stomach has a lining that is constantly being replaced that prevents the dilute hydrochloric acid from burning it's way through. But the oesophagus and the trachea do not and can suffer from scarring if the problem goes unresolved and/or happens regularly.

In both babies and adults the cause is much the same. The nerves that supply the stomach, particularly the vagus nerve, are squeezed or impinged in some way. In babies, the birthing process can often result in the head being hyper extended, i.e. being tilted too far back. Sometimes this can result in the joint between the head and the first vertebra being locked putting the surrounding tissue into spasm, and in the process, squeezing the vagus nerve. This can occur even in c-section deliveries.

Adults can experience a similar effect if the head is shot backwards as in a violent tackle from behind in sport or being rear-ended in a car accident, or indeed a nasty fall.

The solution lies in finding where the tissue is in spasm and helping the body to gently release it. With babies this can mostly be accomplished in one or two sessions. With adults, depending on the severity and the length of time the problem has been present, it can take several sessions to resolve.

Pain anywhere in the pelvis, hips or lower back tends to be classed as pelvic girdle pain. There is also a disorder specific to women, known as  Symphysis Pubis Disorder. SPD typically comes on during pregnancy and can be anywhere from mild to severe, sometimes demanding complete bed rest. Mums are told it will clear up after the baby is born, and mostly it does, but not always. In fact, it may be worse, needing crutches or, in some extreme cases, a wheel-chair. Fortunately mid-wives are well informed now and often refer patients for further treatment  on leaving hospital.  G.P.'s, too, are much more understanding of pelvic girdle pain, particularly after child-birth, and are happy to refer on their patients to people like me for corrective treatment. (more…)

The task of putting in an appearance in this world is not always easy from the baby's perspective. Think about it; there you are, warm, comfortable with all your needs met, when suddenly you are being projected down a very tight tube, your head a battering ram, with forces of up to twenty-six pounds per square inch pushing you further into the unknown. Used to floating around at will, you are now held fast in a vice-like grip and there is a lot of screaming going on. You could be in this position for several hours; panic sets in, what’s going on? (more…)