I just had a mom tell me that their Ped diagnosed
their baby with silent reflex because they were stiff and arching their head backwards - 🙄
Let’s talk about it!
This is an incredibly common pattern I see with babies but I wouldn’t necessarily use it as a diagnostic tool for reflux and here’s why...
Increased tone and backwards arching many times points to dural (inner wrapping part of the spinal column) tension. This is the number one area I focus on when I work with infants. The main place I see needing release is the neck right under the skull- the sub occipitals
There are MANY reasons for this problem to occur and that’s for another post- so be sure to follow if you want to know why but
The tension and back arching aren’t symptoms OF reflux - it’s actually the opposite.
I see reflux, constipation, poor sleep cycles, feeding difficulty, and colic as side effects from the nervous system tension.
Hear me out-
When the body is stressed and in fight or flight it turns off digestion and rest cycles for survival.
When the spine is restricted baby can’t get comfortable to feed and sometimes they are just uncomfortable in their body 😢
How to know if this is your baby and they need a Chiro?
🤍baby won’t raise arms above head all the way
🤍baby won’t extend legs fully or keeps legs tucked in
🤍throws head back a lot especially when upset
🤍baby startles easily or get upset after startling
🤍baby can’t calm or self sooth very well
🤍baby has a high breath rate that you can hear
🤍baby overall feels tense all the time
🤍baby hates car seat
So if this is your baby get to a pediatric chiropractor and follow this account for more tips.
From my personal experience as a parent and professional in infant care, understanding a baby’s physical cues can be quite challenging, especially when symptoms overlap with common diagnoses like silent reflux. The pattern of a baby stiffening, arching their head backward, and showing increased muscle tone is often interpreted simply as reflux. However, this stiffness frequently points to tension in the dural sheath, the connective tissue surrounding the spinal cord, especially beneath the skull at the suboccipital area. In one case, my baby displayed similar signs—arching their back and difficulty calming down after feeding. Initially, it was assumed to be reflux, and we tried dietary adjustments and reflux remedies without much relief. It wasn't until we consulted a pediatric chiropractor that we addressed the underlying nerve tension directly. The chiropractor focused on gentle releases around the neck and upper spine, areas critical for regulating the nervous system. The fascinating part is how this tension affects the baby's overall system. When the nervous system senses tension and stress, it triggers a fight-or-flight response, which suppresses digestion and rest cycles. This explains why many infants with nervous system tension struggle with reflux, constipation, colic, and sleep disturbances. They aren’t just experiencing reflux; they are in a state where their body cannot properly digest or settle due to chronic stress. Further signs to watch for include limited arm or leg extension, frequent startling, difficulty self-soothing, high breathing rates, and strong aversions to car seats. These clues indicate discomfort that goes beyond usual baby fussiness and stress the importance of holistic examination. Based on my experience, if your baby shows these signs, consider visiting a pediatric chiropractor skilled in infant care. This approach helped my child find comfort and reduced symptoms of digestive and sleep issues over time. It’s important to treat the root cause—nervous system tension—which can improve your baby's overall well-being, not just mask symptoms with medication. Remember, every baby is unique, so working closely with healthcare providers who understand these nuances can make a significant difference. Stay attentive to your baby’s cues, and don’t hesitate to seek specialized support to help them thrive.
