Imagine the scenario; you've fed and winded your baby, changed his nappy, made sure he's not too hot or too cold, soothed and comforted him, sung his favourite lullabies, and still he's unsettled.

In fact, he's downright miserable. For many of you, this scene doesn't need imagining - you're living it on a daily basis.

However, the reason for your baby's unhappiness could quite simply be down to his birth. Even better, there may be a simple yet effective solution.

• How does the birth process affect my baby's spine?
• Are there any signs or symptoms of birth trauma?
• How can chiropractic treatment help?
• Is it safe for babies?
• How often should treatment be given?
• How do I find a reputable and qualified chiropractor?

How does the birth process affect my baby's spine?

Most signs of newborn injury seen in the delivery room are to do with the nervous system. During the birth process, several factors may cause damage to your baby's spine, especially his neck.

· The second stage of labour - During the pushing stage of labour, your baby's spine is under a great deal of pressure from the squeezing and pushing of your contractions.

· Induction - Many labours are induced, usually with a drug called Syntocinon, which can produce harder and faster contractions, and a quick birth, putting even more pressure on your baby's spine.

· Position - Many mothers tend to lie on their back to deliver their baby. This position reduces the size of the pelvic opening by up to 1 and a half centimetres, so as well as passing through a smaller birth canal, your baby is also fighting against gravity to be born, which is adding further stress on his spine.

· Delivery - As birth has become more assisted the risks of spinal damage has increased. For example, when the midwife delivers your baby's head then shoulders, his spine is twisted one way then the other. Other medical interventions that can cause greater twisting of your baby's spine include the use of ventouse, forceps and caesareans.

Are there any signs or symptoms of birth trauma?

Many babies are born with slight damage to their spines. Serious injuries such as dislocations and fractures are usually noticed at the time of delivery but often minor problems go unnoticed, and parents are left with an apparently healthy but unhappy baby.

However, slight damage to your baby's spine may cause several problems, leading to an irritable baby and desperate parents. These include:

• Colic
• Poor feeding
• Unsettled sleep patterns
• Crying, restless, easily startled
• Unhappy lying on his back
• Prefers to feed on one side
• Reflux
• Tendency to face one side
• Plagiocephaly, or flat head

How can chiropractic treatment help?

Chiropractic is the third largest field of medicine, and uses gentle pressure and manipulation of the spine to relieve irritation on the nerves which run through the centre of the spinal column. The spinal cord carries information throughout the body and is responsible for all bodily functions, so if the bones in the spine are even slightly twisted, this can cause a knock-on effect to the rest of the body.

Many chiropractors believe that all babies should have their spines assessed shortly after birth, as they do in the USA. Julian Keel, a doctor of chiropractic specialising in pregnancy and paediatrics, says: "I feel it is so important to get babies checked as soon as possible. The treatment of babies has the effect of relieving the physical discomfort of stresses that have become 'locked' into the system of connective tissues.

"Birth trauma commonly results in at least one or a combination of symptoms, all of which can be distressing for parents and baby alike. With gentle cranial and chiropractic treatment I find these are often resolved."

Research also backs up the effect of chiropractic treatment on common baby problems.

One study of 1250 babies examined 5 days after birth, found that 211 suffered from vomiting, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. Ninety-five per cent were found to have spinal abnormalities, and all showed improvement after chiropractic treatment.

Julian adds, "Recent research in Denmark has provided compelling evidence that infantile colic can originate from spinal nerve stress and chiropractic management is significantly more effective than medical treatment with colic drops.

"The benefits are obvious when parents and baby are sleeping well, feeding well and are settled and comfortable in their environment."

Is it safe for babies?

Quite simply, yes. Doctors of Chiropractic have been providing safe and effective care or children for nearly 100 years.

Julian says, "The techniques used by chiropractors and craniopaths specialised in paediatric care are so gentle, there are no risks unless there has been major birth trauma involving fracture or dislocation."

How often should treatment be given?

The number of treatments your child may need will vary depending on his symptoms and his age.

Julian says: "Usually treatment is over 4-5 visits at 4 day intervals for newborns, but may involve more sessions for older infants depending on the history, condition and severity of symptoms."