The Advantages of Chiropractic Care for Kids

In recent years, the positive news surrounding pediatric child care has been overwhelming. For those unaware of the practice, chiropractic care is a noninvasive alternative therapy that fixes misaligned vertebrae or subluxations through readjusting of the spinal column. Chiropractors believe in a connection between the spine and the nervous system. The nervous system consists of the brain and the spine and is responsible for carrying out all functions in the body. By aligning the spine correctly, the nervous system is restored to full functioning abilities - boosting the immune system, preventing diseases and increasing a child's overall well being. Research studies, treatment benefits, and positive testimonials from patients and children have celebrated the benefits of treatment and encouraged more and more parents to take their children for regular spinal checkups.

Chiropractic care can actually begin before birth. It can be used on a pregnant mother to balance the pelvic bones, allowing the uterus to expand and providing the maximum amount of room available for the developing baby. This will also help the baby to get into the correct birthing position and reduce the amount of time the mother remains in labor; resulting in a safer pregnancy for mom and baby. Once a child is born, pediatric care can start almost immediately to treat the stress caused to the spinal column and nervous system by delivery. The treating chiropractor can examine the baby then use gentle contact to realign the spine. This early preventative measure can help children advance normally through sitting, crawling, walking, and other early developments.

As children grow in the first years of life, the spinal column develops rapidly. Though severe spinal injuries are often associated with car accidents, falls from significant height and lifting excess weight, minor spinal injuries occur from everyday life. Tasks such as carrying a book bag, riding a bike, falling off the bed, rough play fighting between siblings, jumping, and running can all cause minor spinal injuries. Unfortunately, injuries from this type of active play rarely leave visible signs of trauma. Instead, by scheduling regular spinal checkups, quick intervention can be done to prevent health problems down the line.

Another reason for pediatric chiropractic care is for the prevention and care of various conditions. Childhood conditions that may be improved by chiropractic care include: respiratory problems, asthma, sleep disturbances, ear infections, allergies, colic, sore throats, headaches, and bed wetting. This practice is also being used to care for children affected by behavioral or developmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After care, children reportedly display improved behavior, have greater flexibility and reduced pain. Those suffering from chronic conditions may be able to use chiropractic care as a means of replacing surgery or long-term medication use.

Just like medical doctors, doctors of chiropractics are qualified professionals who are licensed in all 50 states. Those who focus on children and families also typically complete specialized training in pediatric spinal problems. Chiropractors emphasize a patient centered approach to treatment. On the first visit, the child and parents will have a consultation to discuss the reason for their visit. A complete medical history will also be compiled to help the chiropractor develop a treatment plan. Then the chiropractor will perform a physical exam to determine if misalignment has occurred, neurological test and x-rays may also be completed at this stage. If treatment is needed the chiropractor will complete a gentle treatment modified to fit the child's size and unique spinal condition.

Chiropractic care is not a new development; in fact, the treatment process has been done successfully for over a century. Parents may be relieved to know that children are likely to require less treatments than adults as their spines are more mobile. As parents increasingly turn to the alternative treatment, it is also important to mention that the practice has a long safety record and the risk of serious injuries is low.

To learn more about the advantages of chiropractic care for kids visit:

  • Chiropractic Approach to Ear Infections: Ear infections are a common childhood ailment; this article discusses the use of chiropractic care as an alternative to antibiotics and ear tubes for children dealing with chronic ear infections.
  • Chiropractic Child Care: Recommended Clinical Protocols and Guidelines for the Practice of Chiropractic released by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, discusses evaluating children, making recommendations, benefits of care and other issues.
  • Chiropractic for Children & Youth: A look at the conditions pediatric chiropractic care may be able to help. Success stories and a brief look at the therapies ability to heal physically, emotionally, and mentally is also included.
  • Manipulation and Body Therapies: The uses of chiropractic care for children and related body therapies including massage and osteopathic manipulation are examined.
  • Why Chiropractic For Children: Video and articles discuss the latest safety research and explaining the effectiveness of chiropractic care for pregnant mothers and throughout childhood.


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