Most people believe that chiropractic care is primarily for adults. However, chiropractors have been caring for children for more than a century, and it has been proven to be able to help with a variety of different common childhood ailments. As a result, an increasing number of people are now turning to chiropractic care to help their kids have active and fulfilling childhoods.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A SPINAL DYSFUNCTION?
It is not always easy to know if a child has a spinal dysfunction, particularly if they lack the ability to vocalize what their symptoms are or how they feel. Some of the signs that indicate that there may be a problem with the alignment of your child’s spine could include:
COMMON CHILDHOOD DISORDERS LINKED WITH SPINAL DYSFUNCTION
Some of the most common childhood ailments that have been shown to be linked with spinal dysfunction, and can be improved with chiropractic care include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Chiropractic care can eliminate major stressors in the nervous system which are known for contributing towards conditions like ADHD.
- Asthma and colic. Improved posture and better alignment of the spine and rib cage can reduce the likelihood of breathing problems.
- Bedwetting. Spinal manipulations may be useful if the bedwetting is believed to be caused by improper nerve function.
- Compromised / deficient immune system. Chiropractic care can reduce the interference in a child’s nervous system, strengthening their immunity to colds, sore throats, and other mild illnesses.
- Constipation. Adjustments, particularly in the lower spine, can reduce pressure on the nerves around the sacrum, which can cause pain and constipation.
- Digestive problems. Chiropractic care can reduce interference in the nervous system, helping your child’s digestive system to work more efficiently.
- Growing pains. Lower spinal adjustments in particular can help with growing pains, which are typically felt in the legs and pelvis.
- Headaches. The skill of a chiropractor can often improve chronic headaches, particularly those which seem to stem from the neck and shoulders.
- Recurring ear infections. Manipulating the neck and cervical spine can help drain an infected ear, and reduce pressure in the ear canal, allowing healing to take place.
- Scoliosis. This term refers to the abnormal side to side curvature of the spine that tends to get worse as the child gets older. Chiropractic care can help with reducing the symptoms of this condition.
- Trauma. Your chiropractor may be able to help alleviate muscle and soft tissue pain caused as a result of injury or other trauma.
DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE DIFFER FOR CHILDREN?
All chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine in order to treat the pain or conditions that the patient is suffering from. Each course of chiropractic treatment, whether for adults or children, is tailored specifically to the needs of the individual, including how much pressure is used in the manipulations. In the case of children, the amount of force exerted on the body is significantly less than in adults. Often, children respond much faster to chiropractic care than adults do, meaning that their treatment plans are often notably shorter.
Chiropractic care has been used on infants and children with success for more than a century. If you feel that your child would benefit from the expert knowledge and caring hands of one of our qualified and experienced professionals, please do not to call Valley Spinal Care today to schedule a consultation at 602-788-4200.
