More
and more parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children. Many spinal
problems seen in adults began as early as birth. Even so called “natural”
birthing methods can stress an infant’s spine and developing nerve system. The
resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial
misalignment can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic,
breathing problems, nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic
reactions and chronic infections can often be traced to nerve system stress.
Since
significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns
checked right away. As the infant grows, learning to hold up the head, sit,
crawl and walk are all activities that affect spinal alignment and are
important times to have a child checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic.
As
the child begins to participate in regular childhood activities like skating or
riding a bike, small yet significant spinal misalignments (subluxations) may
occur. If neglected, the injuries during this period of rapid growth may lead
to more serious problems later in life. Subtle trauma throughout childhood will
affect the future development of the spine leading to impaired nervous system
function. Any interference to the vital nerve system will adversely affect the
body’s ability to function at its best.
One
of the most common reasons parents seek care for their child is trauma from an
injury of some sort. These misalignments may or may not result in immediate
pain or symptoms. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal
injury from these traumas, make the correction early in life and help avoid many
of the health complaints seen later in adults. Proper spinal hygiene is an
important key to better health. Another sought out reason for care is the
resolution of a particular symptom or condition. Parents seek care for
conditions such as colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies and headaches (to
name a few) because they have heard from other parents that chiropractic care
can help.
It
is important to understand that the Doctor of Chiropractic does not treat
conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking the
child’s spine for mis-alignments that impair nerve system function therefore
affecting overall body function. The bones of the spine, the vertebrae, house
and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and
carries information from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain
again. Subluxations interfere with the nerves’ ability to transmit this vital
information.
The
nerve system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in the body:
circulatory, respiratory, digestive, hormonal, eliminative and immune system.
Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. The chiropractic
adjustment restores nerve system function allowing the body the ability to
express a greater state of health and well-being.
The Doctor of Chiropractic will take a case history and
perform a chiropractic exam to determine if spinal subluxations exist.
Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to fit a child’s size, weight,
and unique spinal condition. They are both gentle and specific to the child’s
developing spinal structures. Most parents report that their children enjoy
their chiropractic adjustments and look forward to subsequent visits. They also
report that their children experience a greater level of health while under
regular chiropractic care.
1. Ohm, Jeanne. Chiropractic Care for Children. Childhood Wellness Articles. Issue #05.
2. Natural Health and Wellness Chiropractic, LLC. www.nhwchiro.com
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