Could your child benefit from a visit to a chiropractor?

Why would my child need a chiropractor?

    Children are susceptible to trauma in their spines from various activities and events. These microtraumas can cause nerve system stress. Doctors of Chiropractic describe this nerve system stress as subluxations or misalignments of the bones of the cranium and the spine. Nerve system stress, left unaddressed, impairs the child’s ability to function in a state of optimal health and well-being. Although symptoms, such as pain and malfunction may not show up for many years in the child, injury to their vital nerve systems can have a lifetime of damaging effects.

When should they be checked?

    Children should be checked right after birth because of the potential damaging effects of the birth process. Even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may cause "hidden nerve system damage." Any pulling on the baby’s fragile neck and spine during birth may cause stretching and injury to the brain stem and spinal cord. It has been shown that many children who experience symptoms of difficulty sleeping breastfeeding, digestion (colic and reflux), repeated ear and respiratory infections have impaired nerve system function. The accumulated effects from this initial damage will have lifelong consequences. Early detection and correction of cranial and spinal nerve stress by a Doctor of Chiropractic can restore normal nerve function in the infant and offer the infant an advantage for greater health potential.

    Will the treatments hurt?

    Chiropractors who work with children regularly use very specific, gentle techniques catered to the child’s specific needs. In the very young child, the adjustment is as light as a finger touch. Frequently, newborn babies will sleep through an adjustment. Older children enjoy chiropractic care as well and usually look forward to having their spines checked. Doctors of Chiropractic who are members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) utilize advanced techniques specific to the care of pregnant mothers, infants and children.

    How can I get more information?

    More information about children and chiropractic is available at www.icpa4kids.org.

   

 Common reasons why you may consider having your child be checked by a chiropractor

    Difficult birth

    Difficulty nursing

    Colic

    Reflux

    Trouble sleeping

    Ear infections

    Frequent colds/infections

    Frequent falls

    Allergies/Asthma

    Behavioral problems (ADD)

    Postural abnormality: head tilt, high shoulder or hip

    Successful results from chiropractic care

    Increased Immunity: fewer colds/infections

    Increased Athletic Potential

    Increased energy

    Relief from allergies/asthma

    Better sleep habits

    Reduction in hyperactivity

    Scoliosis improvement

    Excerpts reprinted with permission from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Pathways magazine, Issue 9. Dr. Jeanne Ohm. More information about children and chiropractic is available at www.icpa4kids.com.