5 Myths About Chiropractic Care for Kiddos

Chiropractic care is often associated with adults seeking relief from back pain, neck pain, or other musculoskeletal issues. However, chiropractic care can also benefit children. Many parents are curious about the appropriate age for a child to see a chiropractor and what conditions might warrant such care. This article provides clear, factual information about pediatric chiropractic care so you can make informed decisions about your child’s health.

Key Takeaways

Pediatric Care from Infancy: Pediatric chiropractic care can start from infancy and offers various health benefits.
Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Just as chiropractic care benefits adults, children can also gain relief with chiropractic therapy from a trained pediatric chiropractor who specializes in treating young patients.
Issues Chiropractic Care Addresses: Chiropractic adjustments can address common childhood issues such as irregular sleep patterns and digestive issues.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Pediatric chiropractic care involves the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal issues in children from infancy to adolescence. This form of care focuses on the spine and its relationship to the nervous system. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to help correct spinal misalignments, which can contribute to various health problems. But a pediatric chiropractor specializes in treating children.

What Age Should a Child See a Chiropractor?

There is no specific age at which a child should see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can begin in infancy. It all boils down to whether or not your child needs help, regardless of their age. Some parents bring their babies to a chiropractor shortly after birth to address potential spinal misalignments caused during delivery. Others may wait until their child exhibits symptoms or health concerns that might benefit from chiropractic treatment.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children

Adults aren’t the only ones who need to see a chiropractor every once in a while. A pediatric chiropractor specializes in treating spinal issues in young patients and administering chiropractic care for children. They can treat children using chiropractic techniques that are suitable for young bodies. If your child needs a spinal adjustment, has uneven shoulders, experiences pain in their spinal joints, or any number of related issues, they can benefit from the specialized care of pediatric chiropractors.

Chiropractic Care for Infants

Infants can benefit from chiropractic care, especially if they experience issues such as colic, breastfeeding difficulties, or irregular sleep patterns. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate these problems by improving spinal alignment and improving nervous system function.

Chiropractic Care for Young Children

As children grow, they may develop poor posture or experience injuries from falls or strenuous activities such as sports. Chiropractic adjustments can help correct these issues, promoting better posture and preventing future problems. Additionally, chiropractic care can address childhood issues like ear infections, digestive problems, and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Chiropractic Care for Adolescents

Adolescents can benefit from chiropractic care in various ways as well. As their bodies grow and change, they may experience spinal misalignments that lead to pain symptoms or discomfort. Regular chiropractic visits can help maintain proper spinal alignment, improve general health, and enhance athletic performance.

Common Conditions Treated by Pediatric Chiropractors

There are actually quite a few conditions that can be managed or alleviated through chiropractic treatment sessions. A pediatric chiropractor is a pro at treating children with these kinds of issues.

Spinal Misalignment

Many children develop poor posture or spinal misalignment due to prolonged sitting, heavy backpacks, or sedentary lifestyles. Chiropractic adjustments can help correct poor posture and address spinal misalignments, promoting better spinal health and preventing chronic problems later in life.

Digestive Issues

Chiropractic care can help alleviate digestive issues in children by improving nervous system function. Proper spinal alignment can improve the body’s ability to process food and nutrients, reducing symptoms of constipation, reflux, and other digestive problems.

Ear Infections and Respiratory Conditions

Chiropractic adjustments can also help reduce the frequency and severity of ear infections and respiratory conditions such as asthma. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care can actually boost the body’s ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation.

Sports Injuries and Chronic Pain

Children who participate in sports or physical activities often experience injuries or chronic pain. Chiropractic care can provide effective treatment for sports injuries, reducing pain symptoms and promoting faster recovery. Regular chiropractic visits can also help prevent future injuries by maintaining proper spinal alignment and promoting overall health.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Chiropractic Visit

Once you’ve decided to take your child to see a chiropractor, it’s helpful to know what to expect. You want to come prepared with questions so you receive all the information you need. Here’s what you can expect from Impact Chiropractic:

Initial Consultation: During the first visit, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough physical examination of your child. This may include assessing posture, spinal alignment, and range of motion. The chiropractor may also ask about your child’s health history and any specific symptoms or concerns.

Chiropractic Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments for children are gentle and non-invasive. The chiropractor will use specific techniques tailored to your child’s age and condition. These adjustments are typically painless and aim to correct spinal misalignments, improve nervous system function, and improve your child’s overall well-being.

Frequency of Visits: The frequency of chiropractic visits will depend on your child’s specific condition and response to treatment. Some children may benefit from regular visits, while others may only need occasional adjustments. The chiropractor will provide a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s needs.

Consulting Your Child’s Pediatrician

Before starting chiropractic care, it is important to consult your child’s pediatrician. Your pediatrician can provide valuable insights into your child’s health and help determine if chiropractic care is appropriate. Additionally, the pediatrician can work collaboratively with the chiropractor to make sure your child receives comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care can offer benefits for children of all ages. From infancy through adolescence, chiropractic adjustments can help address common childhood issues such as poor posture, digestive problems, ear infections, and injuries related to physical activity. Always consult your child’s pediatrician before starting chiropractic treatment to ensure it aligns with your child’s health needs.

Understanding the potential benefits and knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions about incorporating chiropractic care into your child’s health routine. Whether it’s for addressing specific health concerns or promoting general well-being, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to your child’s healthcare regimen. For more information about pediatric chiropractic care, visit Impact Chiropractic.

MYTH #1: CHIROPRACTIC CARE OF CHILDREN IS NEW.

People may think that adjusting children is a new approach to health. When you hear the word “new” you may think untested, experimental and dangerous. “This is simply untrue. ‘If you go back to 1910, [founder of chiropractic] D.D. Palmer indicated how important it is to check a child’s spine from birth and throughout life,’ notes Jeanne Ohm, CEO of the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association (ICPA), a non-profit organization in Philadelphia.”

Throughout the years, pediatric chiropractic has gained more research and doctors have been fine-tuning their skills. In 1986, Dr. Larry Webster re-established chiropractic care for children as a legitimate area of focus. He created the ICPA and began teaching his child-friendly techniques to other chiropractors who had a passion for helping children

MYTH #2: CHILDREN DON’T NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE.

Kiddos absolutely need chiropractic care, they have spines just like everyone else. The vertebra protect the nervous system, the same way they do in mature adults. There is also a link between the central nervous systems and various childhood illnesses/complications such as ear infections, colic, attention deficit disorder. Chiropractors do not treat these afflictions, but they allow the body to reach health all on its own. Other common problems chiropractic care can address are difficult latching, favoring one side while breast feeding, reflux, and sensory processing problems. These problems can begin immediately after the birthing process, especially when interventions have been used.

Birth is not easy on the mother or the baby, and both should be checked during pregnancy and immediately after birth. Misalignments to the babies spine can occur and if they aren’t checked quickly, they can develop into the problems discussed previously. As development progresses, postural and function patterns begin to form and these misalignments can be more difficult to correct later.

MYTH #3: CHIROPRACTORS USE THE SAME TECHNIQUES ON CHILDREN AS ADULTS.

baby with colic remedies Chiropractors do not use the same technique on children. The spines of children are different from those of adults, and are assessed differently. Before the age of six, bones are mostly made up of cartilage, and not the hard bony material we usually think of. This immaturity of bones causes them to be misaligned in ways that adult bones do not. Pediatric adjustments are very gentle and use light pressure and minimal force. Many times the child will move into the correct position all on there own. We are there to facilitate the adjustment, but the child usually holds and maintains the position all on their own.

MYTH #4: THERE ARE NO REAL EXPERTS IN CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR CHILDREN.

Many chiropractors follow accredited courses to develop child-specific skills. Dr. Elise and Dr. Lara have both completed the ICPA program. This program consists of a 200-hour certification program, which involves 14 classroom modules. When searching for a pediatric chiropractor in Fort Collins, make sure they have taken these ICPA classes. Along with this program, they have both spent countless hours doing external work in pediatric and prenatal education.

MYTH #5: CHIROPRACTORS DON’T COLLABORATE WITH PEDIATRICIANS AND MEDICAL DOCTORS.

This myth couldn’t be farther from the truth. At Impact, Dr. Elise and Dr. Lara want to be in communication with their patient’s pediatricians and other primary care physicians. We want to collaborate with all doctors in the Fort Collins area. It is much easier to work together rather than to downgrade the different approaches to health and well-being. We want to put the patient’s best interest first, and give them the best care possible.

This post was adapted from https://circleofdocs.com/five-myths-about-chiropractic-care-for-children/