The ABCs of Chiropractic Care for Children
As a parent, you always want the best for your child, which is why maintaining their health is a top priority. One of the ways to ensure proper health for your child is through chiropractic care. Pediatric chiropractic care can help improve healthier sleep, immunity, and even digestive issues.
However, as a parent, you may have some questions about what chiropractic care entails for your child. Wonder no more! Here is what you need to know about chiropractic care for kids.
Why Is Chiropractic Care Important for Kids?
Chiropractic care for kids can be essential because it promotes a healthy spinal and nervous system. The spine plays a significant role in coordinating the body's functions, which means an unhealthy spine can manifest in various ways, from poor posture to chronic pain. As a child’s spine is delicate and still growing, it’s important to be aware of its fragility.
Proper spinal care from a chiropractor can help prevent these issues and ensure that your child can function at their best. At Westside Chiropractic, Dr. Scholz is trained for safe, non-invasive treatments using light pressure to achieve proper results.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Kids
Aside from promoting healthy spinal and nervous system function, there are several other benefits to chiropractic care for kids. Some of these benefits include improved sleep, better immune function, and reduced colic in infants.
Chiropractors can also aid kids struggling with ADD/ADHD or autistic spectrum disorders. Chiropractic treatments do not necessarily treat ADHD or autistic spectrum disorders, but they can impact it, as chiropractic care promotes effective nerve flow. Behavioral issues can often be the result of a misalignment in the spine, therefore, adjusting the spine can possibly lead to higher focus and improved mood.
Along with that, the treatment can work to release trapped gas from joints and in turn, improve blood circulation. Light adjustments in the neck and back have been shown to aid in numerous digestive issues and relieve constipation. Neck adjustments can also help the lymphatic system. By working the spine and muscles around it, it will enhance the lymphatic drainage of the body and create proper flow and functioning.
Is your child struggling with migraines and headaches? This could be the cause of tension in the upper cervical and neck area. Due to the increased digital world, posture has also become more of an issue from slouching/looking down. Westside Chiropractic can help your child achieve a proper cervical curve to lessen these headaches.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit
During a chiropractic visit, your child will receive a thorough examination to assess their spinal health. The examination may include a postural analysis, a spinal palpation, and a spinal X-ray if required. If a particular problem is identified, then Dr. Scholz will design a personalized treatment plan.
Children often respond well to chiropractic care and generally require fewer adjustments than adults.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Kids?
Chiropractic care is safe for children when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor. Chiropractic care for kids and babies is a specialized technique that employs very gentle pressure, soft tissue work and craniosacral therapy where necessary. At Westside Chiropractic, we understand the fast changing body of a child, and we ensure to base our treatment plans off their growing anatomy. Studies also back up the safety of chiropractic care for children, making it a safe and effective option for kids.
When to Consider Chiropractic Care for Your Child
There are several instances throughout childhood when you might consider bringing your child to a chiropractor. In the infancy stage, if your baby is experiencing colic, sleep problems, stops turning their head evenly side to side, or issues with latching during nursing, a chiropractic consultation could be beneficial. As your child grows into a toddler, any signs of earaches, slow growth, or developmental delays may also indicate a need for chiropractic care.
Upon reaching elementary age, asymmetrical body or limb development, continued slow growth, and hyperactivity can all be reasons to consider a visit to the chiropractor. When children enter their teenage years, they may face challenges such as asymmetrical growth, severe growing pains, headaches, and sports-related injuries, all of which may be helped with chiropractic treatment.
Often, children are very active, they may take a tumble without us knowing the impact on the spine. Children may also not express their pain in the right way, which could lead to brushing off the problem. It’s important to stay aware of their behaviors for signs of injury or discomfort.
Chiropractic care for kids comes with numerous benefits, and it can significantly improve your child's well-being and posture. It is a safe and effective option, and a qualified professional will perform it. If you are considering chiropractic care for your child, make sure to reach out to Westside Chiropractic, we can help your child develop and function at their best. Book an appointment today and give your child the gift of optimal spinal health.
