Parents aim to ensure their children live a happy and healthy life. One aspect of healthcare is chiropractic care. However, you are likely to wonder when it is appropriate for your child to see a chiropractor.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care deals with the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Misalignments in the spine can cause nervous system interference. They lead to diverse health issues.
Chiropractors use manual adjustments to correct subluxations and restore proper alignment and function to the spine. These adjustments involve applying a precise and gentle force to a specific area of the spine, helping reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall health and well-being.
When Should Children Start Receiving Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is beneficial for children of all ages. However, the decision to seek this treatment for your child should take several factors into account, including their health history and any previous health concerns.
You can choose chiropractic treatment based on your personal beliefs. Chiropractic care can be safe for infants immediately after birth. Many parents seek this treatment for their newborns to help with common issues like colic, nursing challenges, and sleeping difficulties.
Children can experience a range of health concerns as they grow. As such, they can benefit from chiropractic care. For example, preschoolers and toddlers may develop asthma and ear infections that chiropractic adjustments can help treat.
Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Children
Chiropractic care is beneficial for children. Many parents seek this form of treatment to help with a variety of health concerns, including:
- Colic
- ADHD and other behavioral issues
- Ear infections
- Developmental delays
- Sleeping difficulties
- Asthma and allergies
- Digestive issues
Chiropractic care can also help children who play sports or participate in other physical activities. It helps prevent and treat injuries and improve overall performance.
What To Expect During A Chiropractic Visit For Children
Your child’s first session entails the chiropractor asking about your child’s health history and existing health concerns. The information will help the specialist develop a personalized treatment plan for your child.
The chiropractor will then perform a physical examination to assess your child’s posture, mobility, and range of motion. They may also take X-rays or other diagnostic tests to understand your child’s spine and nervous system.
Your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan based on the consultation and examination. It may include techniques like manual adjustments and massage to help restore proper alignment and function to your child’s spine. Attending follow-up visits can help monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe For Children?
Chiropractic care performed by a licensed and proficient chiropractor is safe for children. However, there are some potential risks that children can experience. After a chiropractic adjustment, some children experience soreness or discomfort in the treated area. It is usually temporary. In a study performed by Alcantar et al., they studied the risks of pediatric chiropractic care. Out of 5,438 chiropractic visits, there were only three reports of soreness or stiffness following chiropractic care.
Rare but serious complications associated with chiropractic care can also occur, but these risks are very unlikely. To avoid these risks, be sure to see a chiropractor trained to see kids.
For more about chiropractic care, visit Summit Family Chiropractic and Wellness at our offices in Draper and Buffdale, Utah. Call (801) 845-9800 to book an appointment today.