Why kids and chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on a relationship between the spine and nervous system. If there is dysfunction in the spine and joints, it can lead to dysfunction of the nervous system, which is in control of the body systems. If the nervous system is not working completely, it can have negative effects on the body’s health. Chiropractors evaluate the spine and adjust the dysfunctional areas, allowing the body to work as intended.
Why kids and chiropractic:
Children encounters numerous physical stresses during birth though their growing years, which can result in problems throughout their growth and development to adulthood. One of the most traumatic event that most of us will encounter in our lives is childbirth itself. Spinal segments can be pushed out of alinement or jammed by certain positions that are less than optimal in the womb. The cause of many newborn health complaints such as colic, reflux, breastfeeding issues, sleep problems, allergic reactions and chronic infections can be linked to nervous system irritation from spinal and cranial misalignments.
Getting a newborn’s spine check right after birth can result in growth and development, free of interference caused by the birthing process.
Other events as kids get older like holding up their head, sitting upright, crawling, walking in addition to falls, sports injuries, playground bumps, carrying around heavy backpacks as well as spending time sitting watching tv, playing video games, or on their tablets and phones are all reasons to get your children’s spine’s checked. They are all physical stresses that can affect your growing child’s spine and nervous system.
What does chiropractic care involve?
The chiropractor will take a detailed history of your child’s health and any complaints you or they might have. This is followed by a complete physical examination of the spine using specific skills. Chiropractic care is tailored to the individual and their spine, and children are no exception. Chiropractic care for kids uses a different technique and we offer specific, gentler adjustments appropriate for your child’s spine and cranium.
Chiropractic care for children is usually painless, with the exception of if the child had an actual injury. In this case once the adjustment has been made, the area heals more effectively and the sensitivity decreases. Most kids in our practice love getting adjusted and look forward to their next visit.
Is it safe?
Chiropractic care is extremely safe and the risks of children suffering from injury is rare. Chiropractors have been adjusting children’s spines for over 100 years and have an excellent safety record. In a recent study done by the ICPA in the US, Canada and Europe, it was noted that only a few children out of over 10,000 experienced only minor discomfort. The other children had no adverse reactions. This tells us that chiropractic care for kids may be one of the safest forms of healthcare around!
How to tell if your child has spinal problems:
It can be very difficult for a parent to notice a spinal problem unless they have a specific problem or injury. Some things to look for that may indicate a spinal problem are:
sleeping problems
breastfeeding difficulty in babies
restricted head and neck movement to one side
one shoulder higher than the other
pant leg that twists or is longer on one side
toes that point inward or outward
Common childhood disorders that have been linked to spinal dysfunction include:
chronic ear infection
persistent sore throat and colds
colic
reflux
asthma
scoliosis
headaches
bedwetting
constipation
growing pains
Behavioral conditions- including ADHD
It is also important to note that emotional and chemical stress can affect the child’s nervous stem and may benefit from a spinal checkup.
Regular chiropractic checkups can help identify spinal dysfunction and adjustments may enhance the future function of their body as well as their well being.
