Many parents consider their children’s random aches and pains inconsequential aspects of the growth spurts of childhood. Chiropractic care from an experienced chiropractor, like from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, can benefit children as they grow by correcting improper alignment that pain may indicate.
What Causes Misalignment?
Although it may be difficult to imagine a child experiencing the same spinal misalignments prevalent among adults, childhood activities and trauma that may cause them can include:
- Running and playing
- Sleeping on the stomach
- Slouching while sitting
- Tripping and falling
- Consuming insufficient water
In-utero conditions before birth and breech births can also cause spinal subluxations leading to nerve irritations that may worsen as a child grows.
How Does a Pediatric Chiropractor Differ From an Adult Chiropractor?
Children with growing musculoskeletal and nervous systems require different techniques than those that work for adults. Although chiropractic treatments cannot cure childhood illnesses, gentle manipulations and pressure can open the neural pathways that give a child’s body the best chance to self-heal. When working on young children, chiropractors may use considerably less force and pressure than they would with adults. For instance, the pressure applied with a single finger can significantly benefit a growing body’s delicate tissues, but an entire hand’s force could be overwhelming and lead to damage.
What Symptoms Can Chiropractic Care Relieve?
Chiropractic treatments can relieve symptoms in children as early as infancy. Some experts attribute colic, feeding and sleeping difficulties, and irritability to misalignments that occur during birth. As children grow, developing subluxations can lead to nervous system malfunctions that foster conditions, including asthma, allergies, headaches, digestive problems, and ear and nasal congestion.
How Should You Choose a Pediatric Chiropractor?
Finding a practitioner with the skills to work with young children requires research to ensure that you and your child are comfortable with the experience. If you do not have a trustworthy referral source, you can consult with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association’s website for qualified professionals in your area. Training for pediatric chiropractors differs from that of chiropractors who work with adults. These individuals have specialized training in prenatal, infant and childhood chiropractic care.
Is There Any Downside to Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment?
It is important to remember that children’s bodies change and grow faster than those of adults. Many issues that create problems self-resolve while others may require traditional medical intervention. A pediatric chiropractor’s services can be beneficial. Still, they should not replace those of a pediatrician, who may diagnose conditions for which chiropractic care is not suitable, such as certain forms of cancer and blood disorders.
Chiropractic services for children can be beneficial when combined with standard pediatric medicine.
