Nobody tells you how physical the first year with a baby is. You’re feeding at all hours, rocking, bouncing, carrying a car seat that seems to get heavier every week, and looking down at that little face for hours a day. It’s the best kind of tired, but your body feels it.
A lot of new moms come to see us for neck and upper back pain, headaches, or just feeling worn down and out of sync. That’s where upper cervical care can come in.
Why new moms feel it in their neck
Think about your posture during a feeding: head down, shoulders rounded, often holding the same position for a long time, many times a day. Add in poor sleep and carrying a baby on one hip, and it’s no surprise the top of the neck and upper back take a beating.
The very top of your neck sits right below the skull and surrounds the brainstem, which plays a role in how your nervous system regulates your body. When that area is strained and stiff, many people feel it as more than just a sore neck.
What our moms tell us
Every mom is different, and we can’t promise any specific result. But the moms we care for often tell us that once their upper neck is moving better, their headaches ease up, their neck and shoulders feel less tight, they sleep more soundly when they do get the chance, and they feel more balanced overall. Some tell us their energy and mood feel more even, and some notice their cycles and other hormone-related symptoms feel more regular as their body settles after pregnancy.
We love hearing that, and we never want to overpromise it. Your body has been through a lot, and recovery takes time.
A few things that help at home
Bring the baby up to you during feedings instead of hunching down, with a pillow under your arm or the baby. Switch which side you carry on. Take a minute a few times a day to gently look up and roll your shoulders back. And rest when you can, even if the dishes wait.
How we approach it
Upper cervical care at Highland starts with a careful exam. We use thermal imaging and X-rays to see what’s actually going on at the top of your neck before we adjust anything, so your care is based on what we find, not a guess. The adjustment itself is gentle and precise, with no twisting or cracking, which a lot of people are relieved to hear.
We’re happy to see your little one too. Learn more about our gentle care for babies and our care during and after pregnancy. If you’re dealing with anything that worries you, like severe headaches, heavy bleeding or symptoms of postpartum depression, please reach out to your OB or doctor right away.
If the newborn months have your neck and shoulders in knots, come see us. We’re right off Eagle Road at Wainwright, on the Meridian and West Boise line. You don’t need a referral, and we take most insurance. Schedule your first visit or give us a call at (208) 939-0775.