As parents, the health of children is always going to be one of the top priorities. Parents want to give their kids every advantage possible to stay healthy. That’s why more and more parents are turning to chiropractic for children to treat a variety of pediatric conditions.

Kids will often have to deal with long hours of studying and sitting, sports activities, and carrying heavy backpacks for school. Because of these, chiropractic for children can bring a lot of benefits to keep kids healthy.

Common Questions Parents Have About Chiropractic for Children

Same with any other health treatment, it’s natural for parents to have questions about chiropractic for children. If you are a parent considering going to a chiropractor for kids, we’ve listed down some common questions other parents have shared along with helpful responses to these concerns.

Find out what benefits chiropractic for children can provide, when you should take your child to a chiropractor, and what a chiropractic session for kids entails.

Have Chiropractors Always Treated Children?

Chiropractic is an effective method of managing pain and discomfort and treating a variety of conditions. However, the benefits of this type of treatment brings are not just for adults.

The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that up to 11 percent of patients chiropractors see are infants, toddlers, and adolescents.

What Age Can Kids See a Chiropractor?

The answer to this question is up to the parents. As we mentioned above, chiropractic care is suitable for infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Parents know their kids best; for this reason, they can decide when it’s best to take their child to a chiropractor.

Visiting a chiropractor doesn’t mean your child will get a session right away. As with other healthcare professionals, you will have a consultation with a chiropractor first to determine the best course of treatment plan for your child.

What Adjustment Techniques Are Used in Pediatric Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Chiropractors develop a treatment plan that is adapted and tailor-made to fit the health needs and goals of each patient – especially when the patient is a child.

This is why an initial consultation with a chiropractor is vital. During these consultations, chiropractors will have a full understanding of the medical history of the child. A physical examination will then follow the consultation. Physicals help distinguish any abnormal spinal conditions or other health issues.

Newborns and Children

Chiropractic adjustment techniques for newborns and children are not the same – specifically in the use of force applied.

If adjustments are needed for the child’s specific condition, the chiropractor will use gentle manipulations using only their fingertips to apply pressure and make the corrections. When it comes to adjusting the spine, you may hear some subtle popping noises.

Signs That Your Child Needs a Chiropractor

Your growing concern as a parent is always going to be the first sign that your child may require medical attention. While younger bodies are usually resilient and flexible, children will often experience bumps and falls that may hinder their growth and negatively impact their overall health.

Here are some signs that your child may need a visit to the chiropractic clinic.

• Uneven shoulders
• Complaints of recurring back or neck pain
• Limited head mobility
• Irregular sleeping patterns

Can’t walk or stand properly

What Health Issues Can Chiropractic for Children Treat?

There is a wide variety of medical issues affecting children of all ages that chiropractic can treat.

Infants

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association states that chiropractic techniques are used to help infants with breastfeeding issues, colic, reflux, and physical function problems.

Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents with severe headaches, spinal misalignment, scoliosis, asthma, constipation, digestive issues, urinary incontinence, and growing pains are recommended to seek help from a chiropractor.

There have also been significant improvements seen for chronic health issues, such as cold, sore throat, flu, ear infections, and other immune problems. Aside from these, chiropractors have treated children with speech impediments, ADHD, and autism.

Adolescents and children who have had sports injuries, have been in an accident, or suffered from trauma can benefit from chiropractic care.

Key Takeaway

Chiropractic treatment for children can help them develop their immune system, have proper nervous system functions, enhance their mobility, among other things. Consider this type of treatment for your kids – more and more parents have.