Chiropractic for Children

Written by Dr. Jake Simpson, DC for Washington Park Chiropractic

Parents and fellow healthcare professionals are starting to see the same benefit chiropractic has on adults is also seen in children.  In fact children often respond quicker!  Parents are seeking chiropractic for their children for conditions ranging from Colic, to common musculoskeletal pain and injuries.  Here is why…

What is Chiropractic?

Briefly, Chiropractic is based on the important relationship between the spine and the nervous system.  By relieving  dysfunction in the spinal joints and surrounding muscles, the nervous system can then function the way it was intended – The spine and nervous system are intricately related due to the fact the spinal cord descends through the spine.

Children and Chiropractic?

Like adults, children encounter stressors in life.  The resulting stressors can affect the children’s spines at almost any point in their development and growth.  Many of us will or have heard of various fetal positions can cause a difficult labor (brow, breech, transverse, etc).  Less known is that these fetal positions can make it difficult to develop in utero.  In utero constraint can result in a more difficult trip through the birth canal compounding and/or leading to other spinal problems.  With that, even natural birthing methods can stress the infant’s spine and nervous system – not to mention invasive interventions including induction, suction, or forceps.

The cause of many newborn health complaints such as colic, chronic infections, torticollis, etc., can often be traced to spinal and nervous system irritations from the birthing process.  Since significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth, many parents elect to have their newborns spine checked right after birth!

After an exam is completed the chiropractor will generally treat the child if no contraindications were found.  Many people are surprised to hear that we would adjust a small child, mainly because they assume the same techniques used on adults for an adjustment are used on children.  This is NOT the case, chiropractic care is tailored to each individual person, and children are no exception.  Spinal adjustments for young children involve very light fingertip pressure to correct spinal misalignments.  The amount of “force” is often equivalent to the amount of pressure you can put on your own eye when your eyelid is closed.  Other techniques involve the use of hand-held instruments that also offer the gentle pressure.

Signs and Symptoms?

It may difficult for a parent to recognize when a child’s spine is not working optimumly.  Some common signs include:

• Disturbed sleeping patterns
• Difficulties breastfeeding
• Restricted head or neck movement
• One shoulder higher than the other
• Colic/reflux
• Growing pains

Conclusion:

Regular chiropractic checkups can identify spinal dysfunctions, and chiropractic adjustments may help to enhance future function and well-being.  Chiropractic care in children is very safe, very effective, and could be the missing link in your children’s health.  At Washington Park Chiropractic, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Goodman have post-graduate education from the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association.  Next time you call us, schedule an appointment for yourself and your child/children.