We can all agree that babies and children are small humans and if adults benefit from chiropractic care then so can babies and children. Chiropractors can treat babies as little as a few weeks old to older toddlers and teenagers for issues related to stomach, sleep or colic problems. It is important that people know the chiropractic care involved with children is very gentle and different for children than adults.
A chiropractor is a licensed doctor, trained to perform gentle specific adjustments on the body to restore normal body alignment and nervous system function. The adjustments are meant to help the body perform at its best and optimize function of every gland organ and tissue. The main concern is not just short-term relief but also long-term healing as your child grows. If your child is experiencing a mechanical cause for their symptoms, they may be easily resolved with chiropractic care.
When it comes to pediatric care and treatment, chiropractic care has been known to successfully treat issues such as, trouble with breastfeeding, treating an underdeveloped digestive system, acid reflux, constipation, and ear infections. When the entire nervous system is working properly your child is able to eat, sleep, and grow without colic, sleep issues and constipation during their developmental days.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children
There are numerous benefits of chiropractic care for infants and young children, these are the most common benefits you should know about.
Adjusting misaligned vertebrae - Before birth the baby is used to a small space in the womb, and that space continually gets smaller as the baby continues to grow. The birthing process is very detrimental to the spine. The process can cause spinal cord injuries, torticollis or vertebral misalignments (these conditions become more likely when interventions are used such as forceps and vacuums).
Pain - Children experience neck and back pain. It is not as common in toddlers but once your child starts attending school the weight of the backpack can cause neck and back pain in some children. If your child is complaining of neck and back this should be taken seriously.
Boosting the Immune System - Studies show children under chiropractic care get sick less often and less severe. Chiropractic care leads to improved body function which can indirectly or directly improve immunity. The nervous system is the main relay system for the whole body and any issue with the spine, nerves and muscles can lead to a body malfunction. When a child is adjusted early on, they will be better protected against infections and allergens as well.
Aid in Proper Physical Development - A baby has softer bones and they have a lot of growing up to accomplish. During the first year of development, the spine almost doubles in length. The neck and back gain strength. The curvature of the neck is formed when the baby starts to support their own head, and the lower back curvature is formed when the baby learns to sit up on their own without support. If the spine is misaligned, this can easily decrease the baby's physical development. Adjustments allow the body to grow at a proper rate and improve overall posture during important periods of growth.
Assist in Treating and Preventing Ear Infections - A common issue among most infants is ear infections due to fluid buildup in the eustachian tubes. When that tube fails to drain, it can lead to excessive pressure in the ear causing pain and infection. Chiropractic care helps drain the eustachian tubes by dilating the muscles around it, relieving pressure and allowing drainage. This treatment goes with medical treatment, but a gentle manipulation of the ear helps tubes stay unblocked.
There are many other things chiropractic care can help with such as improving your child's ability to concentrate, behavioral issues and improving their emotional wellbeing, Also specific spinal adjustments have been known to help with bedwetting, constipation and sleeping issues. I've always said "It is easier to build a Childs future rather than repair an Adult". Thanks for reading, Dr. Joe