The Benefits of Chiropractic Care For Children

Chiropractic care addresses children's health conditions associated with the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Gentle, noninvasive and drug free, chiropractic adjustments can prevent and treat a wide range of health problems. Recent research by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) found spinal manipulative therapy safe and successful in treating children of all ages.

Chiropractic care can actually begin before birth. It can be used on a pregnant mother to balance the pelvic bones, allowing the uterus to expand and providing the maximum amount of room available for the developing baby. This will also help the baby to get into the correct birthing position and reduce the amount of time the mother remains in labor; resulting in a safer pregnancy for mom and baby. Once a child is born, pediatric care can start almost immediately to treat the stress caused to the spinal column and nervous system by delivery. The treating chiropractor can examine the baby then use gentle contact to realign the spine. This early preventative measure can help children advance normally through sitting, crawling, walking, and other early developments.

As children grow in the first years of life, the spinal column develops rapidly. Though severe spinal injuries are often associated with car accidents, falls from significant height and lifting excess weight, minor spinal injuries occur from everyday life. Tasks such as carrying a book bag, riding a bike, falling off the bed, rough play fighting between siblings, jumping, and running can all cause minor spinal injuries. Unfortunately, injuries from this type of active play rarely leave visible signs of trauma. Instead, by scheduling regular spinal checkups, quick intervention can be done to prevent health problems down the line.

Another reason for pediatric chiropractic care is for the prevention and care of various conditions. Parents surveyed by the ICPA reported behavioral improvement for kids who saw a chiropractor, as well as improved sleep and stronger immune systems. Childhood conditions that may be improved by chiropractic care include: respiratory problems, asthma, sleep disturbances, ear infections, allergies, colic, sore throats, headaches, and bed wetting. This practice is also being used to care for children affected by behavioral or developmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After care, children reportedly display improved behavior, have greater flexibility and reduced pain. Those suffering from chronic conditions may be able to use chiropractic care as a means of replacing surgery or long-term medication use. Many children’s prescription and non-prescription drugs often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can produce negative side effects.

Periodic ongoing adjustments at a young age may help stave off the above ailments before they begin. Proper spinal alignment now may delay or prevent degenerative bone or joint disease, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In addition to maintaining children's health, regular visits to the chiropractor also instill the value of proactive health care in kids. They'll be more likely to monitor and manage their health as they grow up and be less likely to be afraid or in denial of any health problems. Encouraging good lifelong health habits is one of chiropractic's best benefits for kids.

Dr. Dana Weissman Timmins
Bellmore Village Chiropractic & Wellness
110 Bedford Ave
Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 809-9191
www.bellmorechiropractic.com