A Chiropractor can work wonders for adults who suffer from a variety of ailments that center around spinal health. Yet many people don’t think about taking their children to see a chiropractor. Some chiropractors have experience or specialize in the treatment of infants and children. Children may be small, but structurally they still have a spine and nervous system that is very similar to an adult’s. In fact, because of their rapid growth and development, their spine may actually need more attention to ensure it is functioning properly.
The offices of A Family Chiropractic Clinic in Denton, Texas are experienced in treating children and infants. We understand the unique set of challenges that their growing bodies face. There are many reasons why your child may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. We’ve outlined some of these reasons below.
Why Should My Infant See a Chiropractor?
From the time their spine begins developing in utero, it goes through a series of significant changes and trauma. Not only is the womb small and cramped for a full term infant, but the birthing process can be quite traumatic. A natural birth can be taxing on a young child’s spine. When you think about interventions that are used then the effects are multiplied. Medications are often used to increase contraction frequency and intensity to help move the birthing process along. Your child is at the mercy of these super contractions.
If your doctor needs to assist the birth by using forceps, a vacuum, or even by performing a cesarean delivery your baby may need to see a chiropractor soon after birth. Many of these activities use intense pulling on the head and neck to birth the baby. This pulling puts stress on the spine and spinal cord. It’s not uncommon for newborns to have spinal misalignment in their neck and pelvis. A chiropractor trained in infant care can easily correct the misalignment. If left untreated, your child may favor a specific position or side. The misalignment can cause a baby to experience more pain and have difficulty feeding in different positions.
Many parents who’ve taken their infant to see a chiropractor have reported that the adjustment has helped with breastfeeding issues, digestive problems, difficulties sleeping, and even colic. A misalignment can have long term effects on your child as well. Your child may delay rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or even walking if the movement is painful for them due to a misalignment.
When Should I take my Child to the Chiropractor?
Your child’s young nervous system can be greatly impacted by a spinal misalignment. Visiting a chiropractor when needed can have a very positive impact on their quality of life. If you are unsure if your child needs an adjustment, ask that they be examined after birth for spinal fixations.
You should also have your child reevaluated if they seem as though they are favoring turning their head a certain way or a particular position. A follow up appointment should be scheduled after they begin to hold their head up. In fact, it’s a good idea to take your child to the chiropractor after major physical milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking. Often times an adjustment from a chiropractor can also help with other issues. If your child isn’t sleeping well, has a fall, or just is acting out of character then it might be a good idea to have their spine evaluated. Think of all the daily activities that your child endures. Even at a young age they are frequently picked up, put down, and dressed. While these activities are all normal, they can take their toll on your child’s young spine.
Finding a Qualified Chiropractor
Each chiropractor is trained in treating children and infants. However, not all chiropractors may be comfortable adjusting children. To find a chiropractor that will be able to help your child you can begin by asking your family chiropractor if they’re comfortable treating small children. You can also ask friends and family who’ve taken their children in for adjustments. Your pediatrician may be able to recommend a chiropractor for your child. You can also check with local parenting support groups to see if they have recommendations.
Chiropractic care isn’t only beneficial for adults and infants. Children of all ages can benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Children are often rambunctious and adventurous. This can lead to falls and injuries that may impact their spine and nervous system in a way that isn’t obvious without further examination. Older children can typically tell us when something is hurting. However, some changes happen so gradually that your child may not notice. When they begin school and wear a backpack for more than a short period of time, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated to ensure that the weight of the bag isn’t impacting their spinal growth. Other things such as posture can influence the curvature of the spine over time. Taking your child to see a chiropractor periodically can do wonders for their posture, sleeping habits, and growth.
