Chiropractic care for children is a very controversial topic, some parents believe that it is too dangerous for chiropractors to treat children of any age. However, we are here to ease parents’ minds through education. Pediatric chiropractic care can be perfectly safe and very beneficial to both the musculoskeletal system and non-musculoskeletal wellness in growing children.

What is Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment?

Pediatric chiropractic care is the practice of correcting any misalignments to improve a child’s daily life as well as prevent any potential future problems. Beyond that, providers that specialize in pediatric chiropractic care like Dr. Andrea, provide care that treats non-musculoskeletal conditions such as colic, enuresis, asthma, frequent ear infections, and illness prevention. Children go very quickly from just starting to crawl around your home to walking and running on the playground. With quick growth and movement, the need to support the development and repair process of the body and mind is essential to maintain. Pediatric chiropractors are equipped with various treatments and to support and improve a child’s wellness.

Is Chiropractic care safe for kids?

When most people think of chiropractic care they usually think, of pressure, cracks, and popping that is typical to adult treatments. However, chiropractors do not use the same techniques for children as they use for adults. Pediatric chiropractors use gentle pressure to adjust any problem areas. If you are nervous about your child’s chiropractic appointment, you can ask your chiropractor to demonstrate the adjustment on you for peace of mind. Your chiropractor does not want you to worry when it comes to bringing your child in for an appointment, so make sure you talk to your chiropractor about your, or your child’s, anxieties before the appointment.

Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Adjustments

There are many benefits to seeking pediatric chiropractic treatment for your child. Talk to your chiropractor about how treatment can benefit your child. Chiropractic treatment for your child can help with some or all of the following:

  • Relieve pain or discomfort your child may be experiencing
  • Improve your child’s immune system
  • Improve your child’s behavior
  • Improve your child’s sleep (and therefore your own)
  • Improve your child’s eating habits or latching problems
  • Improve your child’s brain development
  • Improving any problems, you may be experiencing with colic

What can pediatric chiropractic care treat?

Children, like adults, can be treated for many different misalignments, aches, or pains. While they can be treated for tight or sore muscles, scoliosis, and other misalignments, the most common treatment is sports injuries or injuries they received while playing.

Sports injuries

Sports injuries or injuries received while a child is playing are usually the most common reason parents bring their children to the chiropractor. Whether your child took a tumble while playing soccer, or they fell off the monkey bars at school, chiropractors can help lessen the discomfort they may be feeling from these injuries.

Torticollis or tight neck muscles

Torticollis is a condition that causes your baby’s head to turn to one side because of how tight their muscles are. If your baby seems to have tight neck muscles or if you notice your baby having a difficult time turning their head, this could also be a reason to bring your child to a chiropractor. Torticollis can lead to nursing difficulties and neck pain for your baby, but a chiropractor could help you and your baby so they can more comfortably move their neck around again.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis or other spine abnormalities is another big reason why parents bring their children to the chiropractor. Spine misalignment is very uncomfortable for anyone, but a chiropractor can help in the treatment of these conditions.

When should you go to your primary pediatrician?

We always recommend you talk to your primary pediatrician before taking your child to a chiropractor. Not all ailments, such as asthma, ADHD, or ear infections, can be treated by a chiropractor and you will want to consult with your primary pediatrician to make sure going to a chiropractor is the right treatment for your child.

Chiropractic care, while can be controversial, is completely safe for children. If your child needs chiropractic care, please contact us today to discuss your treatment options.