Chiropractic for Kids
Do my kids need chiropractic in Ottumwa, IA?
A child encounters many physical stresses during their growing years. The resulting problems in children’s spines can occur at almost any point in their development and growth.
The cause of many newborn health complaints such as colic, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions, and chronic infections can often be traced to nervous system irritation caused by spinal and cranial misalignments.
Many developmental milestones such as learning to hold up the head, sitting upright, crawling, and walking are all activities that are affected by spinal alignment and are important times to have a child checked by a chiropractor. Additionally, falls, sports injuries, playground bumps, heavy school bags and sitting all day in the classroom are all physical stresses to the growing child’s spine and nervous system.
What does chiropractic care involve?
Spinal adjustments for infants and young children involve very light fingertip pressure to correct spinal misalignments.
Does it hurt?
In general, chiropractic care for children is painless, except in cases where the child has an actual injury. In these areas, the child may be sensitive to touch; however, once the adjustment has been made and the area can heal more effectively, the sensitivity is alleviated.
How long will it take?
A child’s spine will generally respond much faster than an adult’s spine to chiropractic adjustment, and will often require only a few adjustments to restore normal function. The actual number of adjustments will vary depending on many factors such as the length of time the problem has been present.
Is it safe?
Chiropractors have been adjusting children’s spines for more than 100 years and have an excellent safety record.
How can I tell if my child has spinal problems?
Unless a child has an obvious problem it can be difficult for a parent to recognize when a child’s spine is not working correctly. There are some signs which can indicate spinal problems. These include:
disturbed sleeping patterns
breastfeeding difficulties in the very young
restricted head or neck movement to one side
one shoulder higher than the other
Common childhood disorders can also be linked with spinal dysfunction, these include:
recurrent ear infections
persistent sore throats and colds
colic/reflux
asthma
scoliosis
headaches
bedwetting and/or constipation
growing pains
ADHD
One of the most common reasons for parents to seek chiropractic care for their child is physical trauma from an injury of some sort. The spinal misalignments that may occur at the time of the injury will not necessarily result in immediate pain or symptoms. In addition to physical stress, parents should be aware that emotional and chemical stress affect the child’s nervous system and may also warrant a spinal check up.
Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal dysfunction resulting from these stresses, and chiropractic adjustments may help to enhance future function and well-being. (1)
Dr. Tucker at Expect. Chiropractic is experienced in providing chiropractic care to children in Ottumwa, IA. He stands behind this practice and has used chiropractic care for his own five children. Call today to schedule your appointment with Expect. Chiropractic.
