Chiropractic care provides a great foundation for your child’s health now and long into the future. To help you understand what to expect when taking kids to the chiropractor, University Chiropractic is providing all the facts.

As parents, you always want what is best for your children. From the time they’re born and for the rest of their lives, a parents world revolves around their child. Ensuring they have everything they want and need for a happy, healthy life.

Why do Kids Need a Chiropractor?

This question comes up a lot when it comes to chiropractic care. Why? Why do kids need to visit the chiropractor so young? Let’s answer that question for you!

A lot of people assume that back and/or neck problems only occur in adults, or people with age. But it’s suggested that parents look into visiting a chiropractor for their kids as a natural, safe form of healthcare if needed.

Actually, the first spinal misalignment, “subluxation”, is known to happen during birth. Things such as forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-section deliveries can all cause spinal misalignments in our children.

The pulling and twisting during childbirth of a baby’s small, not fully developed spine can disrupt that nervous system.

Even if you don’t suspect harm, each child is recommended to be checked right after birth. Permanent damage can occur in as little as two weeks. That damage over time can cause lifelong problems and consequences. We want you to avoid those odds.

Being Proactive

When your children become older, they may be injured during sports, or other activities they’re involved in. That’s a common age range that seems to be more accepted of receiving chiropractic care for trauma or an injury.

But, kids are active. They’re energetic and playful ways, though great, leave a lot of room for misalignments to occur.

For example, when they’re learning to walk. Think of all the times they fall on their behind. Maybe they’re learning to ride a bike, roller skate. Falls and accidents happen, but they can sometimes leave lasting effects.

Spinal subluxations can interfere with your child’s:

  • Development of the nervous system.
  • Immunity levels.
  • Strength.
  • Mental health.

When kids turn to their teen years, those hormonal changes that occur are regulated by the brain and nervous system. Keeping that system at it’s best and free of damage is key to avoiding health issues for them now and in their future.

These possible spinal misalignments sometimes don’t even result in immediate pain, or other symptoms. It’s a good idea to start regular chiropractic checkups young. Pain is often the last symptom to show signs of damage. By then it could be too late.

A lot of times, parents brush off their child’s complaints as growing pains. When there could very well be a more serious problem.

Chiropractors are trained to check for these subluxations, so during a wellness checkup you can catch any possible spinal problems before they begin.

Before the Visit

Similar to any other doctor visit, going to the chiropractor usually isn’t very exciting for a kid. Getting them ready before the appointment will help it go over better.

Before you go to the chiropractor with your child, you should find out all you can and then give your kid a heads up for what’s to come. No surprises means more comfort for them during their visit.

If you’re taking a very young child to the chiropractor, it’s always best to find a fun distraction for them at the office. Games, their favorite toy, whatever brings them comfort. That may help reduce their anxiety, especially during their first visit.

During the Visit

The treatment of chiropractic care is always adjusted to fit each patient. Especially when it comes to younger ones. Learning what to expect when taking kids to the chiropractor may ease each parent’s mind.

First, the chiropractor will meet with the patient and get a full medical history from the parents. Then, there’s a physical examination that will help point out any spinal problems, or possible underlying health issues.

Then comes the adjustment. The chiropractic adjustment is safe for patients at any age, including newborns. 

After the chiropractor assesses the child’s spine, they will start their gentle adjustment process. Using either their hands, or a small tool. The purpose of this adjustment, next  to other chiropractic therapies is to remove the possible subluxation.

When it comes to adjustments for newborns and children, they’re slightly different. Using significantly less pressure/force. For gentle adjustments needed, the chiropractor will only use fingertip pressure to make slight corrections.

When it comes to adjusting the spinal joints, you may sometimes, but not always hear some soft popping sounds.

Possible Benefits

It has been shown that when taking kids to the chiropractor, positive benefits can be expected. 

Even with no particularly diagnosed condition, regular visits to a chiropractor can become another spoke on the wheel of choosing a healthy lifestyle for your children. Promoting regular development and a healthy wellbeing. 

Some benefits of taking your kids to the chiropractor may include:

  • Proper nervous system function
  • Stronger immune system
  • Effective recovery from an injury
  • Better athletic performance
  • More mobility in the joints or spine
  • Increased ability to concentrate
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Correcting or preventing poor posture
  • Decreased neck and back pain
  • Relief from headaches

When it comes to young patients, chiropractic adjustments mainly focus on increasing the function of their nervous system.

The nervous system is a network in their body that’s crucial to brain and nerve development, behavior, the immune system, and so many other things.

Can You Expect Positive Results?

In a short answer, YES. Chiropractors will often have patients who recover from temporary issues they’re having, or are successfully managing symptoms of various long-term conditions.

A good amount of parents will quickly notice significant improvement in the health of their kid after a chiropractic adjustment.

There is a wide range of medical conditions and problems affecting kids of all ages that a chiropractor can help address. 

Infants

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association explains that it can be used to treat babies with breastfeeding problems, reflux, colic, issues with crawling, standing or other movements.

Children and Adolescents

Older patients can get relief from: 

  • Headaches 
  • Scoliosis 
  • Spinal Misalignment 
  • Asthma
  • Growing Pains
  • Constipation
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Digestive Issues

Improvement can be seen for chronic problems, such as ear infection, cold, flu, and sore throat, and immune system response issues. It has also been beneficial for young people who have been in an accident, experienced a trauma, or sports injuries. 

Plus, families are increasingly seeking out chiropractors to help young patients with delayed speech, autism and ADHD (ICPA).

Chiropractic Care in Palo Alto

University Chiropractic and Wellness brings together your body’s natural ability to heal itself with cutting-edge technology and expert medical care. All of this amounts to revolutionary techniques to maximize your quality of life and bring you relief from chronic pain.

We believe that chiropractic care is a key element in overall health and wellbeing. So, what should you expect when taking kids to the chiropractor? A positive outcome and a great stepping stone toward optimum growth and development for your child. 

Contact us today and schedule an appointment for an alignment. For either you, or a loved one!