Children and Chiropractic

THE YOUNG SPINE

A young spine, with few exceptions, usually develops perfectly by the end of pregnancy. It’s what happens around the time of birth and in the months thereafter which can sometimes upset the normal functioning of the spine. Spinal segments can be pushed out of place or jammed by the position of the baby in the womb or suffer similar problems during labor from the trip through the birth canal. An unsupported movement of the head and neck in an infant can induce excessive movement in the spine causing vertebral subluxations. As the child grows a fall from a bed, a sudden stop in an automobile, the act of learning to walk, and the number of simple falls encountered along the way, can induce trauma to the lower spinal segments and to the large sacroiliac joints of the pelvis. These apparently innocent but frequently occurring events can create spinal subluxations or nerve root pressure that will solidify and made permanent within the teenage and adult years. Time to reduce the pressure and assure wellness is caring for the young child with very conservative chiropractic care. As many of you know, I am the proud granddad of a six week old granddaughter. Be assured, I check her spine when they arrived home from the hospital and am monitoring her spine week by week. Nothing is as healthy as a free flow of nerve supply to the quickly growing baby. There is nothing better or can duplicate conservative chiropractic care. If you have a little one in your life, a growing toddler or active young child, tell their parent to have them checked by a chiropractor, we will be honored to assist. Remember, chiropractic care is not just for a bad back it should be utilized to reduce nerve pressure and the best time is prior to an issue.

SHOULD YOUR CHILD RECEIVE A SPINAL CHECK-UP?

“Chiropractic for my child? Why? He doesn’t have back or neck pain."

If you are wondering about the answer to this question, you1l want to read on. As chiropractors, we often encounter parents who understand the importance of regular exams for their child’s eyes, ears, nose, throat, hearing, and teeth, but who overlook routine spinal check-ups. In fact, they could be the most important check-ups your child will ever receive.

As a concerned parent, you want the best for your child and no doubt wonder if your child is as healthy as he or she could be. Several factors impact your child’s overall health. These include: diet, exercise, proper rest, emotional and spiritual support, and a properly functioning nervous system.

A major component of health is the communication between your child’s brain and body. This vital link controls the growth, repair, and function of every tissue and organ. The spinal cord sends messages from the brain “throughout the body via billions of nerves. Interference (nerve pressure or irritation) places the body in a state of disharmony. This can lead to decreased immune function and sickness.

Starting with the birthing process itself, our bodies are subjected to many spinal traumas. Even the most “natural" of births can cause stress and strain to the tiny developing spine. This initial damage can be compounded when the infant is developing proper head support and is learning to sit up, crawl, and walk. During this time of rapid spinal growth, these tiny bumps and falls can be the cause of many unexplained health problems.

The home is the primary site where the young child receives spinal injuries. A study, conducted by the National Safety Council, discovered- that nearly 50% of children fall headfirst from a high place (changing table, bed, etc.) during their first year of life. Many of these falls go undetected. Unfortunately, although immediate symptoms may not be apparent, spinal health can be compromised.

Ear infections, asthma, colic, ADD/hyperactivity, bedwetting, learning disorders, and other health problems may actually be the result of nervous system interference called vertebral subluxation complex. Doctors of Chiropractic are the only health care professionals trained in the detection and correction of this problem. Children should have regular wellness visits to their Doctor of Chiropractic. Appropriate chiropractic care can locate and correct these spinal problems, restoring normal spinal and nervous system function.

Today, many progressive parents are choosing conservative chiropractic care to help maximize their child’s own natural defenses. Parents of children who receive regular chiropractic care often report that their kids seem healthier than other children and that they get fewer colds and other childhood diseases. Without a properly functioning spine and nervous system, true health is impossible to achieve. Maintaining your child’s spinal health is one of the greatest gifts you can today are choosing to receive periodic chiropractic spinal check-ups. The chiropractic approach to health is safe and natural. Therefore, your chiropractor may be the best doctor to help your child!

Parents should feel encouraged to have a Doctor of Chiropractic as part of their health professional network. Act today for a healthier life tomorrow!