Chiropractic adjustments for children's health is nothing new, but it could be something new for parents. Do children really need chiropractic adjustments? Chiropractic physicians, also known as DC's provide techniques and treatments that pediatricians don't offer.
Chiropractors offer non-invasive options, before referring an individual to a pain specialist that might only prescribe medication/s and surgery. The body's central nervous system controls everything. Birth itself can be physically traumatic for some infants. Therefore, receiving an adjustment can improve neurological input and correction, allowing for healthy development.
If involved in sports or some type of physical activity, chiropractic helps recovery from injuries progress faster and is less traumatic than disruptive therapies like pain-meds or surgery. Chiropractic medicine takes into account the entire person when there is an adjustment/correction in one area, it supports and corrects the other areas.
Depending on the chiropractor, other techniques and specialties like acupuncture, craniosacral, nutrition, and more could be incorporated into a patient's treatment plan. Here are a few ways chiropractic can benefit children's health.
Non-invasive
Chiropractic treatment is holistic and non-invasive. For children's health, adjustments help with proper growth and development by removing or limiting digestive issues like:
- Nursing
- Re-flux
- Colic
- Constipation
Other issues for where pediatric chiropractic care can be utilized include:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bed-wetting
- Colds
- Ear infections
- Attention deficit disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Autism
However, unlike adults, children, and especially infants, chiropractic medicine focuses on mobilization that places a lower amount of pressure on the area, rather than manipulation associated with chiropractic for adult treatment that places more pressure on the area being adjusted.
Nutrition
Parents who are considering chiropractic treatment for their children's health and wellness should also expect nutritional health coaching for optimal health. Chiropractors go through extensive training in nutrition and are qualified to offer nutritional plans that are part of the treatment.
Proper nutrition is important for everyone’s health. But for children who are growing and developing, it is essential that they get the nutrients they need for optimal spine health and development. Some foods and food additives can cause behavioral issues. These foods include:
- Dairy
- Artificial colors
- Sugar
- Preservatives
- Other food allergens
Chiropractors can help parents and caregivers by testing and identifying behavioral triggers whose root cause could be nutritional that is improper or deficient for children's health.
Wellness Philosophy
Educating parents and families about the benefits of proper nutrition and fitness are essential for children's health and wellness. Families need to follow the principles of:
- Eating whole foods
- Junk food minimalization
- Electronic device limits
- Playing/exercising regularly
These are strategies that will reduce childhood obesity that is causing a range of problems for health care like Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Excess weight in young children and if it goes on for a long time creates a higher chance of earlier death in adulthood. From a psychological perspective, it is important to understand that during childhood kids can develop a negative body image, leading to low self-esteem, and causing depression. This can lead to serious mental health issues.
Safe
Overall, chiropractic care for children is safe and highly effective. Children typically have a positive response or no response. If you’re considering chiropractic for your child, there are many resources to help make an informed decision. For more information, visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to find a chiropractor.
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