Pediatric Chiropractic Care
What is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?
Pediatric chiropractic care is a specialty in chiropractic that assesses and actively treats the root cause of health issues in children and infants. Chiropractors working with young patients receive additional training to understand their unique needs.
The core principles of pediatric chiropractic care, akin to those for adults, prioritize proper spinal alignment to reduce or remove spinal cord tension, which allows the body to function better, creating an empowered life of great health. Chiropractors use gentle and safe spinal adjustments to correct spinal misalignments, removing tension on the spinal cord, and enhancing the body’s natural healing and optimal function capabilities.
The chiropractor’s primary objectives are to reduce spinal cord stress, improve nervous system function, and support a child’s health and development through establishing proper spinal alignment. Improved bodily structure promotes improved body function. Reported benefits from gentle spinal adjustments include relief from colic, decreased irritability and fussiness, lower levels of anxiety, boosted immune function, and reduced ear infections.
Chiropractors for babies, infants, and children create a fun and enjoyable environment for the kids, prioritizing safety, and using gentle, age-appropriate techniques. Kids love going to the chiropractor to get their spines aligned because they feel great afterwards, ready to live their lives to the fullest
How Does Pediatric Chiropractic Care Work?
Pediatric chiropractic care adapts adult principles of a healthy spine and nervous system to cater specifically to children’s unique requirements. At its core, this approach prioritizes the importance of proper spinal alignment for overall health, optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. With a properly functioning nervous system, everyone, especially kids, can live life to its fullest.
When working with children, babies, and infants, chiropractors employ gentle and individualized techniques tailored to their size, development stage, and comfort level.
These techniques address concerns such as infant head shape, breastfeeding challenges, and colic. For young children and babies, we generally use a child-friendly handheld instrument that utilizes low-force, precise adjustments.
Chiropractors also employ Gentle Mobilization and Soft Tissue Techniques and sometimes prescribe personalized age-appropriate exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Nutritional guidance sometimes supports this holistic approach to pediatric chiropractic care, nurturing the overall well-being of young patients
What to Expect at Your First Pediatric Chiropractic Appointment
A child’s first chiropractic appointment aims for a super positive experience. The process begins with a warm welcome. The young patient, along with the parent, is usually shown around the office to make the child more comfortable with familiar surroundings. We make it a point to highlight our “Children’s Area”, where kids of all ages can be found playing after their adjustments and while their parents are being treated. Once the child finds out that this is an office where we don’t give shots or medication, they usually feel greatly at ease. We are very intentional about inviting children, regardless of age, into the education process so they understand the WHY behind how chiropractic care makes them feel awesome!
A one-on-one consultation builds rapport and gathers health history. Then a physical exam assesses posture, reflexes, and range of motion. Diagnostic tests like X-rays may be recommended based on the child’s age and findings. A personalized treatment plan is discussed, considering the child’s current health conditions and goals.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments, if needed, are adapted to the child’s age and size. Education on posture, exercise, and nutrition will be provided. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as necessary, with open communication encouraged throughout, prioritizing the child’s well-being and positive experience in the office.
When Should I Take My Child to a Pediatric Chiropractor?
Pediatric chiropractic care is definitely recommended for children displaying various signs and health symptoms. Musculoskeletal issues, including persistent neck and back pain, limited range of motion, muscle tension, and sports injuries, warrant attention.
Postural concerns like rounded shoulders or a family history of scoliosis require evaluation. Neurological symptoms such as frequent headaches, limb numbness, or balance issues may also indicate a need for a chiropractic assessment.
Parents of children with recurrent ear infections, sleep disturbances, bed-wetting, coordination issues, digestive problems, breastfeeding difficulties, and colic usually notice benefits in these conditions from gentle chiropractic care. However, the very best time to take your child to a chiropractor is when there are no symptoms!
Chiropractic Wellness Care is an important part of a holistic approach to your child’s overall well-being, often preventing bodily issues from showing up in the first place!
Common Conditions Treated by Pediatric Chiropractors
Tummy Aches (Abdominal Discomfort)
Pediatric chiropractors address abdominal discomfort and digestive issues in children through gentle techniques, promoting spinal alignment.
Headaches
Chiropractic care reduces tension, intensity, and frequency of headaches in children
Back Pain
Chiropractors relieve children’s back pain caused by poor posture, sports injuries, or musculoskeletal issues.
Sleep Problems
Chiropractors improve sleep patterns in children with sleep disturbances through gentle adjustments and relaxation techniques
Allergies
Chiropractic care for children with allergies focuses on spinal adjustments to support the immune system.
Colic
Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to relieve colic symptoms in infants by reducing spinal cord tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Chiropractic care for children is absolutely safe when done by a qualified, experienced chiropractor.
How many chiropractic sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions depends on your child’s condition and the response to treatment. Once current conditions are resolved, the best gift you can give to your child is monthly or bi-monthly wellness care!
At what age can children start receiving chiropractic care?
Children of all ages, including infants, receive chiropractic care. Some parents seek chiropractic care for their infants shortly after birth to address issues such as breastfeeding difficulties or colic. The birth process typically puts a significant load on the newborn’s head and neck which can cause misalignment in the spine. “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” Simple spinal adjustments can effectively correct this issue.
Are chiropractic adjustments painful for children?
Chiropractic adjustments for children are generally gentle and painless. Chiropractors use techniques suitable for the child’s age and comfort, and adjustments are typically well-tolerated. After just a few treatments, children always look forward to coming back and getting their personalized adjustment!
Specialized Chiropractic Services
We treat a wide range of conditions, using highly effective approaches based on scientific research and over 30 years of practical experience.
