Professional Chiropractic Care For Babies And Children

The idea of treating spinal misalignments in kids and infants continues to strike many parents as odd, and unnecessary. Conventional wisdom holds that a child’s spine is flexible enough to tolerate the strain placed upon it during the course of a typical day. In reality, this is often untrue.

Just as adults suffer vertebral subluxations as the result of poor posture, falling, sports injuries, and similar factors, so, too, can kids suffer misalignments. If they are left unaddressed, they can worsen as their bodies develop. This article will explore chiropractic care from the perspective of adjusting infants and kids. We’ll explain how their spines can suffer misalignments, how you can identify the signs, and the value a trained chiropractor can offer.

How Strain Is Placed Upon A Child’s Spine

By the time an unborn baby reaches her due date, her vertebral column is fully developed. Through the third trimester, it has not undergone strain (aside from unusual circumstances). During childbirth, however, a newborn’s spine can experience stress as she moves through the birth canal. One or more vertebrae may be moved out of alignment, often without the realization of the delivery team.

The months and years following childbirth can also result in spinal strain. For example, while trying to walk, infants fall; while playing, toddlers routinely put their bodies through mild trauma. Years of such physical stress often lead to vertebral subluxations, which in turn can cause an assortment of disorders. Parents seldom recognize the signs since kids are usually unaware they suffer misalignments (even adults have difficulty recognizing the signs in their own bodies). Unfortunately, these problems intensify as the years pass.

Signs And Symptoms Of Spinal Stress In Children

Rarely are a child’s symptoms specific to vertebral misalignments, which makes identifying their triggers challenging. The symptoms may be caused by many other disorders. That said, there are indications that suggest a correctable problem may have originated in the spine. Though it takes a trained, experienced chiropractor to accurately assess their cause, recognizing these symptoms is a critical first step.

You might notice your son or daughter’s head tips slightly to one side; this may indicate compensation for persistent discomfort in the neck area. You may also notice your child is unable to fully move his or her head. In some cases, the limited range of motion may imply nothing more than a night spent sleeping in a poor position. Or, it might suggest a chronic spinal problem. If you are nursing a baby, note whether he or she is having trouble breastfeeding on one side. These and other signs might indicate the need for a chiropractic evaluation.

How A Trained Chiropractor Treats Spinal Subluxations In Kids

When vertebral misalignments cause discomfort and other ailments in kids, most parents look to their child’s doctor for guidance and treatment. The problem is, few pediatricians have the experience or training required to address – and resolve – such issues. In extreme cases, they may refer parents to a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system (i.e. orthopedist), but such cases are rare. Spinal misalignments are unlikely to warrant treatment by an orthopedic surgeon. This is an area in which a trained chiropractic doctor can offer relief.

Following a physical examination to pinpoint the area of misalignment, a chiropractor will apply light, focused pressure to correct the subluxation. The pressure is noninvasive; it is delivered solely with the fingertips. Though it rarely causes discomfort, a baby may be startled by the strange movement, and thus cry for a short period.

Much attention has been given to the potential risks of chiropractic care for babies and children. In reality, the risks are minimal. Meanwhile, there are well-researched and documented benefits to treating kids’ spinal misalignments before they cause severe discomfort years down the road.

Richmond Va Chiropractors