PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC

Why Should my Child see a Chiropractor?

First off, it is important for you to understand the structure and function of the nervous system within your child. Collectively there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that exit through small holes in your child’s spinal column and go to virtually every bone, joint, organ, muscle and ligament you can think of. Your brain sends a signal through your spinal cord which in turn sends a signal to a specific body part. Those body parts will then react and send a message back through the chain on up to the brain.

Because of little bumps and bruises and even the birthing process itself is a traumatic event, your child gets what are called subluxations. A subluxation is basically a misalignment of a joint that causes nerve interference and blocks the flow of signals to the other systems of the body. When these signals are blocked, we do not function as well and eventually get pain, discomfort and even dis-ease as the nervous system governs all other systems within the body including the immune system. Plus, chiropractic is a very safe, non-invasive, non-surgical and drug-free way to keep your kids healthy for the long haul. In our view, the most qualified individuals to check your child’s spine are chiropractors, especially those at Advanced Sports and Family Chiropractic, specifically trained in working with newborns and children of all ages.

What Happens on a Visit to the Chiropractor for a Baby or Toddler?

One of our highly qualified chiropractic physicians will sit down with you and your baby and take a thorough history. The history will include things like, how was the birthing process? How about pregnancy? Was it complicated? What are the child’s eating and sleeping patterns, (or at least what have you noticed so far) etc.? The history is done to paint a picture of the child. Next the chiropractor will do an examination of the whole body spending a specific amount of time assessing the nervous system through the spine. The examination will include things like range of motion, baby reflexes and joint “play”. In other words, how the joints move together as a unit. The exam is tailored to the child’s specific items of concern and needs (Our favorite is wellness).

Treatments for children are very different than adjustments for adults. Most parents are a little apprehensive that a chiropractor will be too aggressive with their child. But rest assured, all techniques use a low force and generally are done very gently. Infants and younger children usually lay on mom or dad’s chest during the whole process, so they feel comfortable and safe. Many newborns will never even wake through the process!

Kids generally end up having a blast at their chiropractor’s office and especially ours. By age 2 don’t be surprised if your toddle is trying to adjust mom and dad back. A Doctor in training!

*We also have a kid’s area up front so please bring brothers and sisters. Don’t worry about the mess. We have kids too. What if they have an accident? Changing stations in the restrooms. We are happy to accommodate families as good health is the best gift to give!

Some Common Reasons for Children to go to the Chiropractor:

There are numerous common conditions that children come to the chiropractor to be treated for. A short list is below however, the list is endless in what chiropractors may be able to help your child with.