Kids and Chiropractic
We all want the best for our children, right? Of course! From the moment of conception on, your world revolves around making sure they have everything they could possibly need to live a long, healthy life. What about kids and chiropractic care? Chiropractic offers you and your family a solid foundation for health, now and in the future. This page will help you to understand why chiropractic is so important throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Why should I have my child checked?
The first question most parents ask about chiropractic care for children is “why?” After all, some people believe that only adults with neck or back problems need a chiropractor. But parents do well to look into this safe, natural form of healthcare for their children, too. In fact, the first spinal misalignment, known as a “subluxation”, usually occurs during the birth process. Forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-section delivery can all result in spinal misalignments. Even with so-called ‘natural’ birthing methods, the pulling and twisting of an infant’s tiny spine can stress their developing nervous system. Every child should be checked right after birth, because permanent damage can begin after just 2 weeks, and accumulated damage will have lifelong consequences.
It is also true that many parents seek care for their older child because of trauma from an injury. Because children live active, energetic lives, their playfulness provides ample opportunity for misalignments. How many times does a child who is learning to walk fall on their bottom? Or what about a child learning to ride a bike? Spinal subluxations can interfere with the normal development of your child’s nervous system, immunity, strength, and mental health. As they grow into teens, hormonal changes that take place will be regulated by the brain and nervous system. It will be essential to keep that system healthy and free of interference to avoid health issues now and in the future!
When to have my child checked?
Since spinal misalignments may or may not result in immediate pain or symptoms, it’s important to have regular chiropractic checkups. Often, pain is the last symptom to show up, but by that time the damage could already be done. Sometimes, childhood complaints are brushed off as growing pains, when there is actually a more serious underlying cause. Only a chiropractor is trained to check for subluxations, so a wellness checkup is recommended to catch spinal problems before they start.
Other signs of a spinal subluxation can be colic, ear infections, asthma, bedwetting, ADD, ADHD, allergies and headaches (to name a few). Since the nervous system controls and coordinates everything a child’s body does, any type of interference to this system can result in a number of different health concerns. A chiropractic adjustment restores nervous system function, allowing the body to do the work it was designed to do. It is important to understand that chiropractors do not treat conditions or diseases. These specialized doctors are experts at checking your child’s spine for misalignments that impair their overall body function. Chiropractic is safe, all-natural healthcare. Since it does not utilize drugs or surgery, the potentially harmful side-effects of these treatments are avoided.
Benefits of chiropractic care
Some of the benefits of chiropractic care have been reported by parents and healthcare professionals, and include the following:
-Improved sleeping
-Improved behavior and attitude
-Improved immune system function
-Fewer ear infections
Many parents want to know: “Is chiropractic safe for my child?” The answer is a resounding YES! The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has conducted a number of studies with outstanding results, showing kids and chiropractic care to be very safe. After taking a thorough health history and performing an examination, Dr. Scott and Dr. Kallie Moore will determine if spinal subluxations exist. Chiropractic adjustments are modified to fit each child’s size, weight, and condition. They are very gentle, even as light as a finger touch on very young children. Each adjustment is specific to their developing spinal structures. Most parents report that their children enjoy the adjustments and look forward to seeing Dr. Scott and Dr. Kallie They notice that their children are sick less often and miss fewer days in school. Give your child the opportunity to be a chiropractic kid and experience the great results for yourself!
Want more info on kids and chiropractic? Watch this video or check out more info on our website!