Many parents today look to chiropractic care as a complement the care their children receive from their pediatricians. This is due in large part to the increase in chronic conditions like ear aches and sleeping problems. A non-invasive, drug-free, and gentle approach, pediatric chiropractic care is not only effective but affordable as well. Recently, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has reported an 8.5% increase in pediatric chiropractic care since 1991 and this trend is expected to continue.
The spine and nervous system are the foundation to wellness in the chiropractic specialty. From infancy to young adulthood, the connection between these two plays a central role in maintaining a high level of preventative care. Keeping the spine in alignment helps to prevent spinal dysfunction which can be attributed to conditions such as colic, reflux, allergic reactions, bed wetting, constipation, scoliosis, growing pains, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
As the body grows it puts additional stress on the spine. In utero and during delivery, the baby’s spine experiences both confinement and pressure. Chiropractic care is a means to offset the impact of birth on the baby. By helping to eliminate disruptions in spinal development and misalignment, developmental delays in certain milestones like holding the head up, sitting up, and crawling can be avoided. These developmental milestones rest on the health of not only the spine, but the cranium and nervous system as well. It’s only by working in conjunction that these significant events can happen for a child.
During preschool and adolescence, sports injuries and accidents create acute conditions that can be successful treated by a chiropractor. Many times the root of the problem lies in misalignment of the spine where nerves and muscles are affected too. Behavioral issues have also been reported as improved with chiropractic care. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) conducted an extensive survey documenting these results, in addition to improvements in sleep and stronger immune systems.
The ultimate goal in pediatric chiropractic care is prevention. Keeping kids healthy, strong, and balanced during their developmental stages of life ensures their success – physically, emotionally, structurally, and functionally.