Chiropractic For Children
“Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions We Get At Our Burlington Clinic About Chiropractic For Children”
Often times when I offer to do a spinal check-up for the children of relatively new (adult) practice members, I often get a puzzled look and a response such as …
“ What for ? My kid(s) doesn’t (don’t) have any back pain.”, or “ Why? My kids don’t complain of any headaches.”, or “ No thanks. I don’t think that chiropractic is necessary for children.”
These are just some of the responses I get from some of my patients who have children.
Most parents however are trusting enough or open-minded enough to at least let me do a posture check & show them any potential spine- related health issues their children may have.
We understand that chiropractic care is a new way of thinking about health care for you and your children, so we are always providing opportunities for people to learn about chiropractic, it’s benefits and help clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings people may have.
The source of these misconceptions or misunderstandings in my experience have been the unfounded advice of well-intentioned family members or friends, family doctors or media reports that are often slanted due to someone else’s underlying agenda.
So, here is some good information for you regarding chiropractic and children.
Why do kids need chiropractic care?
Children are susceptible to trauma in their spines from various activities and events.
These microtraumas can cause what is known as nerve system stress.
Chiropractors describe this nerve system stress as spinal misalignments or subluxations.
Let us clarify what a subluxation is.
A subluxation is a condition of a vertebra that has lost its proper juxtaposition with the vertebra above, below or both to an extent less than a ‘luxation’ ( complete dislocation ) which impinges nerves and interferes with the transmission of mental impulses.
Remember that the spine is made up of 24 individual vertebrae stacked in a column and are held together by soft-tissues ( muscles, ligaments & tendons ).
Each vertebra has its own capacity to move in a multi-directional fashion.
Also, the bones of the cranium (skull ) are easily misaligned in newborns which can also result in nerve system stress.
These misalignments/subluxations are the result of stress.
The 2 types of stress that can affect a newborn especially are physical ( birth trauma from vacuum assisted births, forceps delivery, breech, base posterior deliveries, prolonged labour) and chemical ( drugs & medications before, during or after birth ).
When nerve system stress is left undetected and uncorrected, it will impair the child’s ability to function in a state of optimal health and well-being.
Although symptoms, such as pain and malfunction may not surface for many years in children, injury to their vital nerve systems can result in a lifetime of damaging effects.
FYI – the 5 most common problems in kids that are related to spinal subluxations are: ear infections,asthma, allergies, spitting-up and colic.
When should children be checked?
Children should be checked right after birth because of the potential damaging effects of the birth process.
Even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may cause ‘hidden nerve system damage’.
Understand that medical doctors are too eager.
You are giving birth on their schedule, not on the mothers or baby’s schedule.
That is why births are often assisted (forceps, vacuum extractor) and can result in up to 90 lbs of force to pull a newborn out of the birth canal.
I find midwife assisted births are much more natural and provide a softer setting for both mother and child.
Any pulling on the baby’s fragile neck and spine during birth may cause stretching and injury to the brain and spinal cord.
It has been shown that many children who experience symptoms of difficulty sleeping, fussy or no breastfeeding, digestion (reflux and colic),repeated ear and respiratory infections have impaired nerve system function.
The accumulated effects from this initial damage will have lifelong consequences.
The other 5 landmarks when infants should have a chiropractic check-up ( these are all within the first year ) are: when they first start to hold their head up, when they first start to sit up, when they first start to crawl, when they first start to stand and when they first start to walk.
And of course when there has been any trauma such as a fall off a change table or out of a crib; call your chiropractor immediately!
FYI – do not place infants in the walking position too soon.
This can produce pathological conditions in the spine and hips.
Swings, jolly-jumpers etc. will inhibit normal development and possibly result in bow-legs, knock-knees, hip problems and scoliosis.
Does it hurt ?
Chiropractors who work with children regularly use very specific, gentle techniques catered to the child’s specific needs.
In the very young child, the adjustment is as light as a finger touch.
Often times, babies will sleep through the adjustment.
Older kids enjoy chiropractic care as well and look forward to their adjustments.
Chiropractors who are members of the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association utilize advanced techniques specific to the needs of the pregnant mother, infants and children.
But irrespective of age or condition, we make the whole chiropractic adjustment experience as comfortable and as enjoyable for all kids.
If you have any further questions about chiropractic and / or your children’s health, remember that there is no charge to come in to talk to us.
You can call 905 335 5433 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation and meet the doctor and staff.
We have been helping children and families for 25 years and if we cannot help, we will direct you to the right person who will.
Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic