Important Reasons Why Your Child Should Visit a Chiropractor

Chiropractic is commonly viewed as a therapeutic treatment for neck and back pain. It has proven to be very effective. So effective that many of its other health benefits are overlooked. Simply stated, chiropractic care is much more than a pain reliever.

The basic tenet of chiropractic is that the central nervous system controls and coordinates every function of your body. This central nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and the millions of nerves that extend to every cell and tissue in your body. Your delicate nervous system is protected by the spinal column. Your spinal column is comprised of 24 freely moveable bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae may become misaligned causing interference to your nervous system. This minor misalignment of a vertebrae is termed subluxation.

A recent study of over 1200 infants revealed that 95% of those evaluated were found to have from mild to severe spinal issues. Symptoms of these issues included hyperactivity, sleeplessness and vomiting. The authors note that chiropractic adjustments were beneficial. Many of the infants stopped crying, became quieter, showed signs of muscle relaxation and sleepiness. This study also concluded that, if left untreated, these spinal issues called subluxation, can lead to impairment of motor skills and the central nervous system resulting in a lower resistance to many infections and viruses especially those affecting the ears, nose and throat.

You may ask yourself how a child's vertebrae could become misaligned. The first potential for misalignment is the birth process. Breach presentation, forceps delivery and prolonged labor place a significant amount of stress on a newborn's spine and nervous system. Other events include falls while learning to walk, sports injuries, etc. The list goes on and on. All of these seemingly mild traumas have a cumulative effect and may result in subluxation.

As an adult you are able to discuss with your chiropractor any symptoms or health issues you notice. Infants and young children don't as readily express themselves in words. They express themselves in other ways. They cry, become irritable and don't eat properly. When your child is seen by a pediatric chiropractor they will be expertly evaluated for the presence of subluxation. They want to make sure that your child begins life with the best possible potential. Whether your child presents with symptoms or for a check-up, a thorough history of the birth and labor process is taken. This is followed by a thorough physical examination that includes orthopedic, neurological and movement testing. If subluxations are detected, a proper treatment program will be explained.

To review, we have talked about how the brain and central nervous system control and coordinates all functions of the body. Minor misalignments of the vertebrae are called subluxations. Subluxations are caused from a difficult birth process, falls, sports injuries, etc. These subluxations interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system resulting in a loss of health. Chiropractors are specially trained to identify and correct subluxations, thereby alleviating symptoms and restoring health.

So why should your child or infant to a chiropractor? So that they reach their full potential. To give them the best start in life. Because they are worth it.