Chiropractic care is a complementary type of medicine that involves hands-on spinal manipulation. It’s a non-invasive approach that focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.
As a patient-centered form of treatment, some people consider whether it would be appropriate for younger patients such as children. In fact, many parents seek out chiropractic care because it can help improve their kids’ overall health and well-being.
Young children and infants can benefit physically and emotionally from the hands of a chiropractor. In this blog, we’ll go into more detail and discuss chiropractic care for children.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Treatment usually involves the manual readjusting or realignment of the spine and neck to promote physical and emotional wellness.
Chiropractic services also promote a more holistic lifestyle because it ensures that a patient’s body moves and functions properly. In turn, it contributes to emotional well-being by releasing the stress and pain caused by a misaligned spine or aching neck.
How Common is Chiropractic Care?
Research suggests that chiropractic care is the most common integrative medical treatment used by children in the US. On a similar note, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that chiropractic treatments are one of the most common types of care that addresses back pain in adults.
Should You Take Your Child to a Chiropractor?
Your child’s body is still going through a process of development. As they play, jump, run, and crawl, it’s unavoidable for your little one to get into an injury like a misaligned shoulder, aching neck, misaligned back. When that happens, you may want to consider taking your child to a chiropractor.
After all, getting into an injury could disrupt your child’s sleeping patterns, cause stress, and prolong physical discomfort. A chiropractor can help address these injuries before they become worse.
Below, we’ve listed down some of the issues that chiropractors can help address:
Infants
- Difficulties in crawling, standing, or walking
- Breastfeeding issues
- Constant reflux
Children & adolescents
- Recurring headaches
- Spinal misalignment
- Constipation
- Digestive problems
- Ear infections
- Scoliosis
Signs Your Kid Should See a Chiropractor
Here are a few signs that your child may need to see a chiropractor:
- Recurring body aches: Your child regularly complains about body aches, especially in the neck or back.
- Disruptions in sleeping patterns: Your child finds it difficult or is unable to maintain a regular sleeping pattern because of pain or discomfort.
- Limited range of movement: Your child may suddenly experience difficulty rotating their neck and head due to pain.
- Persistent headaches: A misaligned neck or spine is a common cause of headaches. A chiropractor can help relieve the pain by improving blood circulation through realignment.
- Poor posture: A chiropractor can help address uneven shoulders or bad posture. An untreated spine can lead to more serious developmental problems and affect brain health.
- Irritability and mood swings: Chiropractic care can help realign your child’s spine to promote a healthy nervous system and make it easier for them to manage emotions.
What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children?
Wondering whether you should bring your child to a chiropractor? Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for children:
Addresses Sleeping Problems
Sleep is an essential part of every child’s healthy development. After all, it promotes overall growth and helps strengthen the immune system. Sleep also contributes to brain development and emotional well-being.
Infants usually need up to 16 hours of sleep and 12 hours for children under 12 years old. If your kid has an irregular sleeping schedule or experiences difficulty falling asleep, you may want to consult a chiropractor.
A skilled chiropractor can help release the stress and tension from your kid’s body. Going through hands-on manipulation could also provide a sense of comfort to your little one.
Improves Attitude & Temperament
As previously discussed, stress and tension can affect your kid’s sleeping patterns and behavior. Proper body alignment can help release some of the tension in the body, promoting a better overall mood. In turn, it could translate to a better quality of life.
Contributes to Better Brain Development
Chiropractic care addresses issues in your child’s musculoskeletal system, reducing the tension in their bones, spine, neck, muscles, and joints. In turn, this paves the way to more natural brain development.
For example, your chiropractor can help realign and adjust your child’s body to create a stronger connection between the body and the brain. As a result, it could promote better concentration, focus, and nerve development.
Boosts Stamina & Physical Performance
Every child enjoys playing, running around, and participating in sports. But since they’re still growing, your child could be prone to injury. Chiropractic care helps your child perform at their best.
For example, if your child frequently gets into accidents or injuries, a chiropractor can help your little one recover faster through the proper therapy. Chiropractic treatment addresses poor posture, which can, in turn, reduce the frequency of neck and back pain.
Kids who love sports can significantly benefit from chiropractic treatments to improve mobility, focus, and overall performance.
Is It Safe To Take A Child To A Chiropractor?
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of chiropractic care for children, you might be asking yourself: are chiropractors safe for babies and young children?
The answer is yes. Chiropractic treatments are safe for everyone, including kids and infants. Chiropractors go through intensive training programs to deliver the right care. In fact, some specialize in treating kids and infants, and they’re called pediatric chiropractors.
There aren’t any specific risks related to chiropractic treatments for children. In fact, parents are even encouraged to visit their local chiropractors because of the benefits it offers.
Is My Baby Too Young For a Chiropractor?
Chiro for babies is safe, non-invasive, and medication-free. Newborns can receive chiropractic treatment within the first few weeks after birth. A family chiropractor will apply gentle and careful massages to restore nervous system function and natural healing. Using a gentle hand is a must because their bodies are still tender and soft.
Chiropractic care is an option if your newborn suffers from colic, restricted head movement, breastfeeding problems, noise sensitivity, and sleeping problems.
Embrace the Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment
Seeing a family chiropractor offers significant physical and emotional benefits and poses little to no risk at all. Ensure that you consult with your chiropractor regularly to get the most out of your chiro treatment.
If you want to learn more about chiropractic care and other tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, check out the LifeClinic blog today.
